Real Madrid continues planning its squad for the upcoming season. For some time now, Xabi Alonso has been requesting new signings to finish defining his desired squad, but Florentino's response has been clear: there won't be any more signings. With a few departures yet to be finalized, this is what there is and what he'll have to use to compete for all the championships.
Road to Newcastle
One of the positions Xabi Alonso wants to strengthen is the center of defense, but it won't be possible. He has requested two signings to complete the team: this center-back and a creative midfielder. But the reality is that neither will arrive by express order of Florentino Pérez.
In this regard, one of the names that had been most strongly linked to Real Madrid is now definitely off the table. We're talking about Malick Thiaw, a center-back who belongs to Milan. In the last few hours, his transfer to Newcastle has been finalized for a fee reaching €40 million. He's a defender highly valued in the Valdebebas offices, but the decision was made not to make an offer and to let him go.
At 24, he was one of the best center-backs in Italy last season. The German will now play for Newcastle, after seeing Real Madrid decide not to sign him. Xabi Alonso has accepted this, clearly asking Florentino to bring in a signing of this profile next season, when some players in his position leave.
Goodbye to Malick Thiaw
Malick Thiaw has become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. At just 24, the German international combines physicality, tactical intelligence, and versatility, being able to play as a center-back, right-back, and even defensive midfielder. These are qualities that had caught the attention of Real Madrid, where Xabi Alonso held him in very high regard as a possible reinforcement for the future.
However, the signing won't happen. Newcastle has moved ahead and finalized his signing, snatching from the white team a player who fit perfectly into Florentino's transfer policy. Young, with international experience, and room for growth.
Thiaw has stood out in recent seasons for his defensive solidity, his ability to anticipate, and his strength in aerial duels. In addition, his ball control and vision allow him to adapt to systems where the center-back must actively participate in building from the back.
Newcastle thus gains a center-back for both present and future, while Real Madrid will have to look for other options to strengthen its defense. Malick Thiaw, a talent who escapes from LaLiga to the Premier League.