Xabi Alonso wants Real Madrid to sign a midfielder before the Club World Cup | OneFootball

Things are moving quite swiftly at Real Madrid in recent days as they prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup next month by strengthening the squad.

Dean Huijsen is all set to arrive to reinforce the centre-back position while work is being done to secure the early release of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also making solid progress in their pursuit of Alvaro Carreras to strengthen at left-back.

The next signing on the agenda is understood to be that of a midfielder, although it was initially suggested that Real Madrid would keep that aside until later in the summer.

Xabi Alonso wants a new midfielder right away

However, according to MARCA, the new development from internal discussions between incoming manager Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid is that the club are now also actively searching for a central midfielder.

Indeed, the report states that this need has moved ahead of the left-back position in terms of urgency before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup.

During meetings with Alonso, the need for a midfielder was labelled as essential. This player is not necessarily intended as a direct replacement for Toni Kroos, but rather someone who can relieve pressure in midfield and contribute to the build-up play.

The Merengues’ strategy is to target a team-oriented player who meets the team’s standards, but not a marquee signing valued near €100 million. Such an operation is not a priority for either the Club World Cup or the upcoming season.

Three targets identified

Angelo Stiller is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

As reported earlier in the week and now corroborated by MARCA, Real Madrid have identified three main targets for the midfield department.

Exequiel Palacios of Bayer Leverkusen is very much on the shortlist owing to his performances under Alonso at the German club. It must be noted that the Argentine came close to signing for Real Madrid several years ago, but the move collapsed.

Meanwhile, AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders is also being studied as an option, although Manchester City appear to be well placed to secure his signing.

The last name on the shortlist is Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart, with the 24-year-old German international being seen as the most natural organiser of the three. His estimated price is around €40 million.

It now remains to be seen whether Real Madrid make a move for any of three aforementioned midfielders in the coming days or decide to wait to strengthen the area later in the window.