At Real Madrid, the 2025-2026 season promises to be very different. After Ancelotti's departure, Xabi Alonso is taking on the challenge of reinventing Real Madrid with new signings and a change in mentality. Manu Carreño, on "El Larguero," revealed Xabi Alonso's plans and the starting eleven he has in mind for the start of La Liga.
New developments in the transfer market
Real Madrid keeps strengthening its squad, with Dean Huijsen and Alexander Arnold presented, and other signings in progress. Carreño revealed that the next announcements will be related to Álvaro Carreras, Benfica's full-back, and Franco Mastantuono, a young talent from River Plate.
However, these two players won't make their debut in the Club World Cup. The first, Carreras, won't play a single minute in the competition, while Mastantuono will have to wait until August to join the club due to his minority of age.
Mastantuono's future at Madrid
One of the signings that has caused the most expectations is Franco Mastantuono's. At just 17 years old, this young Argentine midfielder will join Real Madrid not only to be part of the team, but to be a starter.
At Real Madrid, they expect Mastantuono to emulate Lamine Yamal, creating a rivalry similar to that of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His adaptation will be key for Madrid's immediate future.
Xabi Alonso's starting XI
Carreño revealed Xabi Alonso's possible starting eleven for the season, combining reinforcements and key players. According to the journalist, the eleven that the coach has in his mind for La Liga, excluding the Club World Cup, would be the following:
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, Álvaro Carreras
Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Franco Mastantuono
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé
A change in the playing system
The system that Xabi Alonso is planning for the start of the season will be 4-4-2, opting for four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards. This scheme rules out the option of playing with a back three, which was common during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. As for the attack, a front line composed of Vinícius and Mbappé is planned, two players of great quality and speed, who are emerging as the club's new offensive leaders.
Despite the expectations caused, Manu Carreño also reported on the failure in the attempt to sign Martín Zubimendi. The player, who already has an agreement with Arsenal, won't be part of Madrid in this market. Carreño confirmed that Mastantuono will arrive in August, ensuring his integration after he turns 18 years old.