Xabi Alonso is already making moves. Although he hasn't yet sat on the Bernabéu bench, he knows what he needs to complete a dream team...
One of his first requests will surprise many: Ante Budimir, the Croatian forward from Osasuna, is on the white radar as the new Joselu.
This was revealed by Eduardo Inda on the program El Chiringuito. According to the director of OK Diario, the white club is working to incorporate the red striker as a top-level game-changer. They are looking for a forward who can score goals in the final minutes, like Joselu Mato did last season.
Xabi wants firepower until the end
The plan is simple: Mbappé will be the starting forward, accompanied by Vinícius and Rodrygo in a dream trio. But in blocked matches, when defenses close in, a different forward is needed, with presence in the area, heading ability, and goal-scoring instinct. That's what Joselu has offered this year, and that's what Xabi seeks to replicate with Budimir.
The Croatian, who has had a great season with Osasuna, has ranked among the top scorers in LaLiga with 21 goals, only surpassed by Mbappé and Lewandowski.
Moreover, he is having an outstanding performance despite playing in a mid-table team. At 32 years old, he doesn't demand prominence, but he does demand efficiency: he comes in, finishes, and scores.
Low-cost signing... but high impact
One of the keys to the interest in Budimir is that his market price is very accessible: it wouldn't exceed 5 million euros. A bargain for a club accustomed to significant expenditures. Additionally, his humble attitude and professional profile fit well in the white locker room.
The club values that Budimir would accept a secondary role without creating conflicts. And he could have an immediate effect in high-stakes matches, as Joselu did with his goals against Bayern in the Champions League.
Operation "Joselu 2.0" underway
In Valdebebas, they know that titles are also won with players who come off the bench. Xabi Alonso is clear about it, and Budimir seems to fit into that idea of a complete squad, with profiles for all types of situations.
The Croatian has given the green light, and Osasuna, which needs to bring in money, wouldn't put up too many obstacles. Real Madrid wants another Joselu... and Budimir is already waiting for the final call.