Xabi Alonso arrives at Real Madrid's bench with clear ideas and no fear of marking territory from day one. The Basque coach has sent a strong message to the board. There is only one signing he considers essential, and it is none other than Florian Wirtz, his great jewel at Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso's demand
Although they were already working on multiple signings at Valdebebas, Xabi doesn't want to get sidetracked. His priority is to build a solid and competitive team, but without losing control of the locker room. That starts by signing only what is absolutely necessary.
Wirtz is his man. An electric attacking midfielder, unbalancing and with a goal, capable of making a difference in the final third of the field.
Xabi considers him the piece that can break through stalled matches and provide the freshness the team needs in a season full of demands. He is the player for whom he is willing to stand up even to Florentino, if necessary.
It won't be easy for Florentino to rescue Wirtz from Bayern Munich's clutches. Leverkusen already has an offer of 110 million for him on the table.
Modric and Alexander-Arnold, Xabi's other plans
The coach has also closed the debate around Toni Kroos's replacement. Although there was talk from within about signing a new organizing midfielder, Xabi Alonso has another plan. It involves converting Trent Alexander-Arnold into the new brain of the team.
The Englishman, who has already shown exceptional vision as a full-back at Liverpool, will play in Xabi's midfield. It is his personal bet, convinced that he can perform at his highest level there and provide ball distribution, filtered passes, and arrivals.
Additionally, Real Madrid's right-back position belongs to Dani Carvajal if he is physically fit.
Xabi Alonso arrives at Real Madrid to lead
As if that weren't enough, Luka Modric will stay for another year. He won't play everything, but he will be the ideal wildcard for the big matches.
Xabi sees him as an extension of himself on the field. Someone with the experience and class necessary to manage the pace of key matches.
Florentino already knows: Wirtz is non-negotiable, Trent will play in midfield, and Modric is untouchable. Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid to lead.