**Xabi Alonso Urges Real Madrid to Sign Midfielder Ahead of Club World Cup**
Xabi Alonso, set to become Real Madrid’s manager on June 1, 2025, has made an urgent request for the club to sign a central midfielder before the FIFA Club World Cup begins on June 15, according to MARCA. Initially, midfield reinforcements were planned for later in the summer, but Alonso’s insistence has shifted priorities, with the position now deemed “essential” to improve build-up play and ease pressure in the middle of the park.
The club is not targeting a blockbuster signing near €100 million but rather a team-oriented player who can complement the squad without directly replacing Toni Kroos. This strategic approach aligns with Alonso’s vision of a balanced midfield, focusing on functionality over star power.
Three key names have emerged on Real Madrid’s shortlist. The first is Exequiel Palacios, the 26-year-old Argentine from Bayer Leverkusen, who previously came close to joining Madrid. While Alonso values his familiarity with the player, his €50 million price tag and contract until 2028 present hurdles.
Another option is AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, a 26-year-old Dutch midfielder recommended by Kroos himself. However, Manchester City’s strong interest and his €50–80 million valuation, along with a contract running until 2030, make negotiations difficult.
The third candidate is VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, a 24-year-old German midfielder seen as the most natural organizer. Priced at €40 million with a contract until 2027, he is considered the most feasible target among the three.
Real Madrid hope to finalize a deal within two weeks to ensure the new signing is ready for the Club World Cup, where they face Al-Hilal on June 18. The urgency comes after already securing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer (pending Liverpool’s early release) and Dean Huijsen for €58 million from Bournemouth, with Alvaro Carreras’ arrival from Benfica expected after May 25.
Reports from @theMadridZone and @MadridXtra confirm Alonso’s push for a midfielder, with Palacios, Reijnders, and Stiller as the top options. The club’s financial strategy remains cautious following a trophyless season, meaning player sales—such as Rodrygo, valued at €100 million—could be necessary to fund the move.
Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system demands a well-structured midfield, and this signing will be crucial in shaping his early tenure. With the Club World Cup looming, Madrid are racing against time to bolster their squad under their new manager’s guidance.