The 2 'buts' Xabi Alonso puts on Real Madrid's 25-26 transfer market

Xabi Alonso's arrival at Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, has been one of the most notable moves made by the Merengue side during this summer transfer window. In addition to this change in the first team's technical direction, the executives led by Florentino Pérez have sought more changes to the white locker room.

In this regard, the Merengue sporting management has brought in four top-level footballers who have already found their place in the tactical plans of the new Madrid coaching staff. However, the coaches led by Xabi Alonso seem to agree that even more signings are necessary.

This is what the Tolosa coach himself reportedly conveyed right after finishing his participation in the Club World Cup. The positive run in that FIFA-organized competition, as well as the elimination due to the thrashing suffered against PSG, showed that the first team needs two signings. According to the Merengue coaches, the arrival of a center-back and a creative midfielder, preferably with a defensive profile, is necessary.

These could well be the two "buts" that Xabi Alonso, according to information published by Mario Cortegana, has pointed out regarding the activity of the Merengue sporting management in the summer of 2025. In addition to the absence of two signings that would help complete the tactical profiles of Santiago Bernabéu locker room, one of them should have the status of a "superstar".

It could have been better

This is shown by the journalist from "The Athletic," since one of those requested and unexecuted signings should have been "linked to Rodrygo's future" Goes as a Merengue footballer. The departure of the Osasco striker could bring Santiago Bernabéu's coffers a minimum amount of €80 million, enough money to complete any signing.

Especially in midfield. The departure of Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal has forced Real Madrid to keep looking for players with an identical profile, signings that are proving too demanding for the white treasury. In this context, the departure of one of the star players of the Merengue side would have provided the necessary funds for such a signing.

Apart from the two "buts" pointed out by Xabi Alonso regarding Real Madrid's activity in the summer of 2025, the Basque coach expresses his "happiness" for the newcomers. The signings secured by the Madrid bosses, especially to strengthen the defense, are proving to be essential for the team's good competitive rhythm in the first three matchdays of La Liga.

Something similar is happening with Franco Mastantuono. The talented and young Argentine attacking midfielder has already accumulated two starts, a sign of the trust the coaching staff has placed in the new "30" from Argentina. His arrival, the result of a lightning operation to prevent PSG from acquiring his services, is more than welcome by the white coaching staff.