In a move that has taken the footballing world by surprise, newly appointed Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has issued a remarkable and unexpected demand to the club’s board of directors — and it revolves around none other than Turkish prodigy Arda Güler.
Alonso, who was officially unveiled as Real Madrid’s new boss following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, has wasted no time making his presence felt. While many anticipated tactical shifts and player evaluations in his first days, few expected his first major request to be so bold and so specific. Sources close to the club reveal that Alonso wants an official guarantee embedded in team planning — one that would secure Arda Güler a starting role in his preferred 4-3-3 formation.
The condition is groundbreaking, not just for its content but for its implications. Never in the club’s modern history has a manager demanded a contractual commitment to field a specific player as a starter. This move demonstrates Alonso’s unwavering belief in Güler, a 20-year-old who has struggled for consistency due to injuries but still remains one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders.
Güler, who joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe two seasons ago amidst high expectations, has shown flashes of brilliance. But his tenure under Ancelotti was underwhelming, as fitness issues and intense competition for places kept him sidelined. Now, Alonso wants to change that narrative — and make Güler the linchpin of Madrid’s midfield moving forward.
The new coach’s desire to center his tactics around Güler signals a clear shift in Real Madrid’s strategic direction. The Spanish giants, long known for their “galáctico” signings and reliance on proven stars, may now be entering an era where emerging talents get the spotlight. Alonso’s track record at Bayer Leverkusen supports this vision: under his guidance, young players like Florian Wirtz thrived, and he now wants to replicate that success in Madrid.
His plan to field Güler as a starter alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouaméni is both ambitious and intriguing. It’s not just about giving the Turk minutes — Alonso reportedly wants him in a creative role, likely on the right side of a midfield three, where he can operate with freedom and influence the game.
The suggestion that Güler could even inherit the mantle left by Luka Modrić — whose contract is set to expire after the Club World Cup — has only intensified the spotlight on this decision. Modrić, a living legend at the Bernabéu, is seen as irreplaceable by many. Yet Alonso appears to believe that Güler has the vision, control, and temperament to fill that void.
Still, this proposal has sparked serious internal debate. While some board members are intrigued by Alonso’s clarity of vision, others worry that placing such high stakes on a player who is still developing could backfire. Real Madrid’s midfield is arguably the most competitive in world football, and promising one of those few starting roles to Güler could create friction among more established names.
Adding to the complexity is the club’s ongoing transfer activity. With Trent Alexander-Arnold already signed to reinforce the right side and negotiations reportedly progressing for Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono, squad dynamics are shifting rapidly. Fitting all these talents into a balanced and functioning system will be Alonso’s first major challenge.
What makes this condition even more daring is that it’s not based on past performance alone. Güler’s stats — five goals and nine assists in 42 games last season — were promising, but most of those contributions came from lesser fixtures or substitute appearances. Alonso, however, sees beyond the numbers. He sees potential — the kind of raw quality that could blossom into brilliance if nurtured properly.
Unsurprisingly, Alonso’s stance has all but ended speculation linking Güler with a loan move away from the Spanish capital. Clubs like Juventus and Inter Milan had reportedly expressed interest, hoping to take advantage of the youngster’s uncertain role under Ancelotti. But with the new coach labeling Güler “untouchable,” those discussions have been shut down.
For the fans, this development is both thrilling and nerve-racking. Many admire Alonso’s bravery and his vision for the future, but others wonder whether this gamble could place undue pressure on a player who is still finding his feet. In a club where expectations are relentless, a single bad run could derail careers.
Yet, perhaps this is the beginning of a different kind of Real Madrid — one where youth development doesn’t just happen behind the scenes but becomes the heart of the team’s tactical identity. Alonso, a former club legend with deep ties to the Bernabéu, may be the ideal man to lead that revolution.
Reports suggest that President Florentino Pérez is cautiously backing the coach’s request. While hesitant at first, he appears to understand Alonso’s rationale and the need to rejuvenate the squad after a trophyless season. A long-term vision is forming — and Güler seems to be at its core.
With the Club World Cup approaching fast and the new La Liga season on the horizon, all eyes will now be on Arda Güler. Can he rise to the occasion and justify the immense trust placed in him? Or will this bold gamble be remembered as a misstep in Alonso’s tenure?
Regardless of what happens next, one thing is clear: Xabi Alonso has already made his mark at Real Madrid. And with Arda Güler as his chosen centerpiece, he’s signaling a bold new direction for Los Blancos