Xabi Alonso will be the next coach of Real Madrid and has already begun to shape the squad for the next season. One of his first requests to Florentino Pérez has been the signing of Martín Zubimendi, a midfielder from Real Sociedad. The club is willing to pay the player's release clause, set at 60 million, to satisfy the desire of their next coach.
Journalist Joaquín Maroto spoke about it, stating on AStv: "Alexander-Arnold is closed and there's another one that's practically done, which is Martín Zubimendi. Martín Zubimendi is a direct request from Xabi Alonso. And about Zubimendi, let's go... He has already told Real that he's leaving".
Martín Zubimendi, Xabi Alonso's Chosen One
Martín Zubimendi, 26 years old, is considered one of the most promising midfielders in Europe. His ability to distribute the game and his tactical intelligence make him a key piece for any squad. Real Madrid sees in him the ideal successor to Toni Kroos, who left the merengue team a year ago.
Real Madrid's interest in Zubimendi is not new. Already in December 2024, it was reported that Madrid had the Basque on their radar to strengthen the midfield. However, the arrival of Xabi Alonso has accelerated the negotiations. The Basque coach knows Zubimendi well and fully trusts his ability to lead the Madrid midfield.
Meanwhile, Zubimendi has already communicated to Real Sociedad his intention to leave the club at the end of the season. Arsenal has also shown interest in the player and is willing to pay his release clause. Despite this, the Spanish footballer's preference for Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso's insistence have tipped the balance in favor of the whites.
Xabi Alonso Finds His Kroos
With the arrival of Martín Zubimendi, Real Madrid seeks to strengthen a key position in their tactical scheme. The departure of Kroos and the need to give a new boost to the midfield make this signing a priority for the club. Additionally, the incorporation of a young and promising player like Zubimendi fits into Real Madrid's transfer policy, which aims to rejuvenate their squad without losing competitiveness.
For now, no official announcement is expected, but after Arnold, it's already assumed that the next to arrive at Real Madrid will be Zubimendi.