Tension is mounting inside the iconic walls of the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid braces for a summer of transformation. Following their disappointing exit from an international tournament that many had expected them to dominate, the club’s hierarchy is now preparing for what could be a series of bold and painful decisions.
The aftermath of the tournament has triggered deep internal reviews, especially among the coaching and technical staff led by newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso. The club’s direction, once guided by stability and incremental adjustments, is now leaning toward swift restructuring to ensure a more competitive edge for the upcoming season.
Sources close to the club confirm that Alonso has personally submitted a list of players he no longer sees as integral to his system. In a team that boasts talent in every department, the names on the list have nonetheless caught many fans off guard.
Leading the trio of potential departures is Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes. A player once earmarked as a successor to the legacy of legendary attackers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rodrygo has had moments of brilliance. However, his performances in high-stakes games have lacked the consistency and killer instinct Real Madrid demands from its forwards.
Despite his young age and the flashes of magic he provides, Rodrygo has yet to fully convince the new manager. Xabi Alonso reportedly believes that his tactical system requires a more dynamic and physically dominant presence on the wing—one who can deliver under pressure with regularity.
Next on the list is Dani Ceballos, the Spanish midfielder who has struggled for both form and fitness over the past two seasons. A product of La Fábrica with a technically gifted style, Ceballos has unfortunately become more known for his injuries than his performances. His inability to string together a consistent run of games has limited his value to the squad.
Ceballos’ potential departure would not come as a surprise to insiders. The club has already begun exploring possible destinations for him, with Real Betis and several mid-table La Liga clubs expressing early interest. A move within Spain could provide him with the environment and playing time he desperately needs to reignite his career.
The third player under consideration is Brahim Díaz, a Moroccan international who showed glimpses of his attacking prowess throughout last season. While Brahim impressed in spells—particularly with his dribbling and close control—he has been unable to lock down a regular starting position, often falling behind in the pecking order behind other emerging stars.
Xabi Alonso values Brahim’s technical skill, but with Real Madrid aiming to bring in elite-level reinforcements, there’s a growing feeling that he may need to leave in order to develop further and avoid stagnation on the bench.
The departures of these three players would not only clear space in the squad but also reduce the wage bill, allowing Real Madrid to pursue big-name signings with fewer financial restrictions. Already, reports suggest that the club is closely monitoring several attacking targets, including younger prospects and experienced forwards who could offer more immediate impact.
English and Italian clubs are said to be monitoring Rodrygo and Brahim’s situations with keen interest. In contrast, Ceballos is expected to remain in Spain if a deal is reached. None of the three departures are official yet, but all signs point to movement before the window closes.
For fans, the rumored exits are a reminder of how rapidly football evolves. Players once viewed as the future of the club are now being edged out to make room for a new era. And under Xabi Alonso’s command, it is evident that Real Madrid is no longer content with sentimental decisions—they are now prioritizing performance above all else.
Internally, this shift marks the beginning of what many are calling a “silent revolution.” There are no public declarations or headline-grabbing confrontations—only calculated, strategic decisions aimed at retooling a squad that, while successful, has shown signs of vulnerability.
Club president Florentino Pérez is believed to be backing Alonso’s recommendations fully, signaling trust in the young manager’s long-term vision. While Pérez has often been criticized for being too hands-on, this summer, he appears willing to delegate responsibility to those with direct tactical oversight.
The next few weeks will be crucial. As negotiations continue and pre-season preparations ramp up, fans can expect a clearer picture of the new Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso. For now, though, the message is clear: no one’s place is safe, and only the best will survive the upcoming shake-up.
Whether these changes bring immediate success or short-term turbulence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Real Madrid is entering a new chapter, and it will be written with bold decisions and unwavering ambition.