Logo en.madrid-barcelona.com
En.madrid-barcelona.com en Español
Logo Facebook
Florentino Pérez wearing glasses and a dark suit smiles in an empty soccer stadium.

Neither Dani Ceballos nor Luka Modric, new beacon at Bernabéu: Florentino pays 50 million euros

Real Madrid has already decided who will be the next leader in the midfield after this season's debacle

Carlo Ancelotti has experienced a season full of obstacles. The first blow came even before the start, with Toni Kroos's retirement. Shortly after, injuries to Militao and Carvajal ended up sinking the Italian coach's plans.

From that moment, Real Madrid has been trailing in all competitions. The defensive solidity disappeared, and the engine room was left without direction. The lack of leadership in key moments has been evident.

A player in the white Real Madrid uniform pointing during a match.
Ceballos was the axis of Real Madrid until his injury | Getty Images

can mark a new era in Bernabéu's midfield

The board has already made decisions to reverse the situation as soon as possible. The first step will be Xabi Alonso's arrival on the bench this summer. Additionally, negotiations with Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen are very advanced.

However, everyone knows that the most urgent problem is in the midfield. Since Kroos left, no one has been able to fill his place with guarantees. That has hampered the construction of the game.

Neither Dani Ceballos nor Luka Modric are capable of assuming that role. The former hasn't made the desired leap, and the latter is on the verge of 40 years old. That's why Real Madrid is working on an alternative for the present and future.

Tijjani Reijnders is very appealing to Xabi Alonso

The name gaining strength is Tijjani Reijnders, from AC Milan. His performance in Serie A has caught the attention of several big European clubs. Manchester City is also following him closely.

The Dutch international has an ideal profile for Madrid's style. He organizes, presses, reaches the area, and keeps possession under pressure. Additionally, he has a winning mentality that fits with Bernabéu's philosophy.

Florentino Pérez is clear: they must get ahead of the others. If they don't act quickly, other clubs could secure his signing. That's why he is willing to pay 50 million euros to ensure his arrival.

Florentino knows that Reijnders can be key

The operation wouldn't be simple, but it is feasible. AC Milan needs to sell and values the possible departure well. In Madrid, Reijnders would have space to grow and be important from day one.

Xabi Alonso knows him well and could be key in his adaptation. They both share a vision of the game and seek control in the midfield. It would be a firm bet on a modern and versatile profile.

This way, Real Madrid is preparing to start a new stage. Although Modric and Ceballos aren't sure what will happen, the future points to a new player: Tijjani Reijnders.