Xabi Alonso doesn't want a repeat of what happened in the final stretch of the Ancelotti era. Since his arrival, he has made his demands clear. To compete at the highest level, you have to build from the back.
Tonight, he will make his debut as Real Madrid's coach in the Club World Cup. The opponent will be Al Hilal and the goal is to win. Although it's a new tournament, Xabi Alonso doesn't want experiments or tests.
He wants to get off to a good start and lift a trophy from day one. He has insisted that this isn't a preseason. Madrid have traveled with a champion's mentality.
Xabi Alonso's priority is defense
Even before landing, Xabi Alonso made his priority clear: strengthen the defensive line. Florentino Pérez has done his part. Dean Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold have arrived, and Álvaro Carreras will join soon.
Only a fourth name is missing to complete the puzzle and create a completely renewed defense. That name has already been decided. However, he won't arrive at Valdebebas until the summer of 2026.
Konaté set for Real Madrid in 2026
We're talking about Ibrahima Konaté. The French defender's contract with Liverpool ends in June 2026 and, for now, he doesn't intend to renew. This scenario has caught Real Madrid's attention.
Konaté has decided not to extend his deal with the "reds." Madrid know this and have already taken steps to secure his signing. He'll be a free agent in just twelve months.
The center-back has given his word to Madrid's inner circle. He wants to wear white and has already taken note of the path followed by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Xabi Alonso sees him as an ideal center-back for Bernabéu: fast, forceful, and experienced at the highest European level.
A complete renewal of the defense
This way, Madrid will renew all four defensive positions in two summers. It's a quiet but effective operation. With a view to the medium term.
By then, Xabi Alonso hopes to have established his system. Konaté's arrival will further strengthen his idea of solidity and give the coach more options. Although he'll have to wait, he's already working with that final piece in mind, knowing it's not urgent, but it is a strategic investment.
Florentino has shown he moves ahead of time. Securing Konaté without a transfer fee is another masterstroke. Quality and experience at zero cost.
This formula has already worked with other big names. Real Madrid prefer to get ahead of the competition and in 2026, it could pull off another major coup. Meanwhile, the focus is on the Club World Cup, but in the office, they're already thinking about what's to come.