Priority Transfer, Madrid Stays Silent; However, It's Florentino's Dark Horse for 2025

Real Madrid is advancing its plans for next season's planning. The club is clear that they want to solve the issues that have arisen in the first part of the campaign. As Carlo Ancelotti has had to face very adverse situations due to the lack of fluidity—with its corresponding irregularity—and injuries.

In this regard, one of the priorities is to strengthen the defense, without forgetting the midfield. While Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer seems to be on track and there are still doubts about the situation with Alphonso Davies, in Chamartín they also want to strengthen the midfield line.

In this sense, Toni's absence is significant. The German decided to hang up his soccer boots when last season ended. And his presence has affected the team more than expected. Which is why Florentino Pérez and his trusted team, including José Ángel Sánchez and Juni Calafat, are already mobilizing to try to solve the problem.

Madrid, for now has found the 'solution' in Ceballos as the pivot, is looking for a creative midfielder who can also anchor his teammates and have defensive commitment.

Zubimendi, the chosen one

After exploring the market, only one name remains in the offices of Concha Espina: Martín Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad player fits the needs of what Madrid demands, as they seek to remodel a midfield where next year. For the first time, the three tenors of the last decade probably won't be present. Casemiro left in 2022, Kroos has 'retired' this year, and Luka Modric, whose contract ends in June 2025, could be experiencing his last season.

Zubimendi is considered by the club as the best option to modernize and boost the team. Trained from a young age in the youth categories of Real, Madrid believes he could be another Xabi. At least his profile closely resembles that of the player who was with the club from 2009 to 2014, and currently manages Leverkusen from the bench.

According to "As," Madrid is targeting the 'txuri-urdin' midfielder, who has a contract with San Sebastián until 2027, and his release clause remains at 60 millions. This summer, the player was rewarded with a salary increase, but his exit price was not touched.

England lurks

Zubimendi is also sought after in the Premier League. Liverpool wanted to get his services this summer, but the player decided to stay at Anoeta. Manchester City might also be very interested in the player. Guardiola, who hasn't been able to turn things around—one win in the last 13 matches—is looking for a replacement for Rodri Hernández, who injured his knee. and the Basque player is an option gaining more traction every day at the Etihad.