Florentino Pérez has decided to make a change in the Real Madrid dugout next season. It is the ideal moment, despite the fact that Ancelotti is under contract until 2026. The president's intention is to close Xabi Alonso's transfer as soon as possible, with whom he has already formally started negotiations. In this sense, OKDiario has revealed the first request that the manager has made to accept the proposal.
There are many names being mentioned for Real Madrid, but Xabi Alonso is clear about the priority to strengthen the squad. Neither defense nor offense: what he believes is needed is a quality midfielder. He is clear that Tchouaméni doesn't fit into his game plan. Therefore, he's asked for the transfer of Martín Zubimendi, a midfielder from Real Sociedad with a release clause of 60 million.
At the moment, Florentino Pérez doesn't consider Zubimendi a firm target for Real Madrid, but this could change with Xabi Alonso. The arrival of the Basque would blow up the current planning, trying to meet his requests to start a long-term project. In these first contacts, if anything has become clear, it is that Xabi Alonso is more than willing to take the reins of Madrid.
Xabi Alonso's Request is Clear: Martín Zubimendi to Replace Tchouaméni
Martín Zubimendi is Xabi Alonso's favorite player to become his new central midfielder next season. He would find in the Spaniard the figure who would provide balance and solidity, something that Florentino Pérez is in high demand for. He has all the characteristics that are being sought in a central midfielder and is considered the ideal player to join Santiago Bernabéu.
Zubimendi's profile fits perfectly with Real Madrid's playing philosophy: Spanish, with extensive experience in La Liga and good ball- handling skills. He also has the ability to adapt to different roles, something that has caught the attention of Xabi Alonso. It is to be expected that this interest will intensify soon, trying to speed up negotiations to take the Real Sociedad pivot.
Martín Zubimendi's buyout clause is 60 million euros. Although it wouldn't be necessary, Florentino would try to negotiate a transfer. A very likely possibility is that the Real Madrid president would offer a higher price, dividing the payment into several installments. It is also not ruled out that, given the good relations that exist, a player could come in as an exchange.
There is still time ahead but Xabi Alonso's arrival is heating up and he has already made his first request to Florentino: Martín Zubimendi . It remains to be seen whether he will comply or not.