Xabi Alonso tried to hold onto a player who left Real Madrid in the summer – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid have reached the midway point of the season with mixed feelings. After a strong start to the campaign, recent results and, above all, performances have fallen short of expectations.

There has been a clear dip that has led to Xabi Alonso coming under scrutiny. Within the club, calm remains, but critical assessments will be made in January 2026, particularly with the Spanish Super Cup, the first title Real Madrid will contest this season, approaching.

After all, more was expected after the club spent heavily in the summer on key signings like Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras.

While Real Madrid did back Alonso in the market, it appears that not all his wishes were granted in the summer.

Alonso wanted Luka Modric to stay

Indeed, according to El Mundo (h/t Defensa Central), Alonso wanted to retain Luka Modric within the Real Madrid squad but it was not to be.

Modric bid goodbye to the club in the summer, following the FIFA Club World Cup, leaving as a free agent after over a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid let go of Modric in the summer. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The 40-year-old midfielder, now excelling at AC Milan, had always maintained that he wanted to retire at Real Madrid. Now, it has emerged that Alonso, too, was keen on holding onto the veteran midfielder in the summer.

However, those in the Real Madrid offices felt that Modric’s time at the club had come to an end and did not renew his contract.

It is a decision that has seemingly cost the Merengues, given that the team seem to be missing the Croatian veteran’s presence and leadership in the dressing room as well as his qualities on the pitch.

Meanwhile, despite being 40 years old, Modric is proving to be a key figure for AC Milan this season. The midfielder has become the backbone of the team coached by Massimiliano Allegri, who are challenging for the Serie A title.