Xabi Alonso's new Real Madrid is starting to move in the market… but not all news is good. While Florentino Pérez secures signings like Alexander-Arnold, there are already footballers who have decided to slam the door on the new white project.
The Basque coach has received three significant rejections that have set off alarms in the offices of Valdebebas. Desired players, who were marked in red on Xabi's priority list, have opted for other destinations.
The three players who have turned down Xabi Alonso
These are three unexpected rejections that have forced an adaptation of the signing policy. The Basque coach had very clear objectives for the Club World Cup and the planning of the next season. But he has encountered a harsh reality: not everyone wants to wear white.
Three key names that Xabi Alonso wanted to strengthen his squad have said "no" to the merengue project: Florian Wirtz, Martín Zubimendi, and Jonathan Tah.
Wirtz, the jewel of Bayer Leverkusen and one of the most desired players in European soccer, prefers to stay in Germany and will sign for Bayer. The good rapport he kept with Xabi Alonso has not been enough.
The German attacking midfielder doesn't want to change scenery just before the European Championship and the Club World Cup, and he is already committed to Bayern Munich for the next season.
Zubimendi prefers to try his luck in the Premier League
Zubimendi, meanwhile, has decided to try his luck in the Premier League following the example of his friend Mikel Merino, despite Real Madrid's insistent interest.
The Basque midfielder, one of Xabi's favorites for his profile and personality, has refused to change scenery this summer. His entourage believes he would not have a place in the current star-studded white midfield with players like Bellingham, Valverde, Camavinga, or Tchouaméni.
But the most surprising rejection comes from the defense: Jonathan Tah, also from Leverkusen, has ruled out a move to Bernabéu. Tah is considering a more lucrative offer from Bayern Munich.
These three "noes" represent a setback to the initial excitement of Xabi Alonso's new Madrid. Although there is still time and market ahead, the difficulty in convincing key players is already evident.
The alternatives are clear. In addition to Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras will wear white.