As Real Madrid prepare to enter a new era under Xabi Alonso, the focus is already shifting toward summer reinforcements. Though pre-season training has not kicked off, planning is underway, with the new head coach identifying key areas that require immediate attention. Among the targets, Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad stands out as a priority for Alonso, who coached the midfielder during his formative years with the reserve team.
Currently part of Spain’s national squad for the UEFA Nations League Final Four, Zubimendi has been coy about his next step. According to Defensa Central, despite strong links with Arsenal earlier in the window, he remains open to possibilities, and the connection with Alonso could prove pivotal. Zubimendi’s admiration for his former coach is well-documented, but he is keeping his cards close to his chest for now, avoiding direct comments out of respect for his current commitments.
While Alonso is keen to bring Zubimendi to the Santiago Bernabeu, club president Florentino Perez is reportedly less enthusiastic. The midfielder has a €60 million release clause, a price many see as fair given his quality and tactical intelligence. Yet Perez remains cautious, with memories of a previous gamble on a similar profile, Asier Illarramendi, still fresh in the club’s collective memory.
Illarramendi arrived at Real Madrid amid high expectations but failed to cement a place in the squad, and Perez is wary of repeating history. Journalist Marco Ruiz of AS noted that while Zubimendi is considered the natural heir to Rodri in Spain’s national team, Real Madrid’s hierarchy is still weighing the risks of such an investment, especially when the midfield is already stacked with elite talent like Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Valverde.
As the internal debate continues, it is clear that Zubimendi’s future could come down to whether Xabi Alonso’s influence can sway Madrid’s top brass. The new manager views him as the ideal fit for the deep-lying midfield role, disciplined, composed, and well-versed in the Spanish style of possession football. While Arsenal remain a lurking threat, Madrid’s project and Alonso’s personal connection give them a potential edge.
With the Club World Cup on the horizon and Real Madrid eager to stamp their authority globally, signing a reliable midfield anchor could be crucial. Whether Perez is willing to back Alonso’s vision to that extent remains the big question, especially in a summer already filled with marquee moves and strategic spending.
While Florentino Perez has every reason to proceed with caution, he must also acknowledge the fresh perspective Xabi Alonso brings. The comparisons to Illarramendi are understandable but perhaps outdated. Zubimendi has grown into a more tactically mature and consistent performer, capable of anchoring a midfield at the highest level. If Real Madrid truly want to evolve and compete on every front, they must trust their new manager’s instincts, especially when the player in question already has his full backing. Sometimes, belief in a vision outweighs the fear of past mistakes.
