Real Madrid's season has been disappointing for their fans. Despite the individual talent, they haven't managed to win any major title. Ancelotti has been unable to keep the consistency that is demanded at Bernabéu.
With the season almost over, the management has already made important decisions. Florentino Pérez has ended Ancelotti's cycle with a farewell already signed. His replacement will be Xabi Alonso, who arrives with great expectations.
Xabi Alonso has already announced his departure from Leverkusen
The Basque coach confirmed that he will leave Bayer this summer. His arrival at Madrid is imminent and his new challenge begins now. In the capital, they await him with excitement and a lot of work to do after a very tough season.
Xabi arrives with a defined plan to restructure the project from the ground up. Defense is his main priority for the next season. Florentino has already secured Trent Alexander-Arnold to strengthen that line.
Florentino and Xabi Alonso don't agree on all signings
Although the first additions have been well received, not everything is harmonious in the management. There is a name that has caused tension between the parties. It is Martín Zubimendi, the current reference of Real Sociedad who has been linked to Real Madrid all season.
Xabi Alonso has insisted a lot on his arrival this summer. He sees him as the key piece for his midfield scheme. However, Florentino Pérez has flatly rejected this request.
Zubimendi, a priority for Xabi Alonso, but not for Florentino
Florentino considers that paying 60 million for Zubimendi is madness. He thinks that amount is excessive for that profile. Arsenal, on the other hand, has decided to assume his full clause.
In this situation, Madrid will not bid further for the midfielder. Xabi Alonso will have to settle with what he already has in that area. Tchouaméni and Camavinga are emerging as the chosen ones to cover that position.
A decision that marks the beginning of a new era
The disagreement with Florentino raises doubts about Xabi Alonso's room for maneuver. It is not the best start for an era that is expected to be demanding. Time will tell if this refusal was a mistake or a success.
In any case, his signing with Arsenal is practically a reality. Zubimendi will play in the Premier League starting next summer. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will have to continue building without their priority.
Tension is high, but the goal remains clear
Xabi Alonso's project starts with excitement, though not without obstacles. Florentino Pérez wants to keep total control of operations. And Alonso will have to adapt or fight more for his ideas.
The future of Real Madrid is being written now, with decisions that will shape the next decade. Xabi Alonso will have to be able to get out of this predicament in the best possible way. Therefore, the transfer market will be key for a Real Madrid that wants to change its course.