Real Madrid friction: Xabi Alonso and Florentino Pérez disagree over midfield reinforcement

Coach favors cost-effective alternatives, while club president insists on targeting Rodri as sole midfield priority.

Real Madrid is facing internal friction as head coach Xabi Alonso and club president Florentino Pérez disagree on how to reinforce the midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season. Despite an already massive summer outlay of €202.2 million, the two leaders remain at odds over the club’s next move in the transfer market.

According to Spanish media reports, Pérez is adamant that if Real Madrid makes another high-profile signing, it should be Manchester City’s Rodri a player likely to command an astronomical fee. Meanwhile, Alonso is pushing for more affordable but proven alternatives, including Angelo Stiller, Nicolò Barella, and Kees Smit.

Real Madrid’s Costly Restructuring Sparks Debate

Following the team’s underwhelming display at the FIFA Club World Cup, Pérez made no effort to hide his dissatisfaction with what he described as a “structurally unbalanced” squad. The poor showing ultimately led to Carlo Ancelotti’s departure and the arrival of Xabi Alonso.

To date, Real Madrid has spent over €182.2 million on four new signings. Combined with the costs of the coaching change, the total investment reaches approximately €202.2 million. Despite this, Pérez has since opted to tighten the club’s spending.

Pérez Rejects Alonso’s Midfield Suggestions

This marks the first major disagreement between Alonso and Pérez. While the president previously denied similar reinforcements to Ancelotti who had pushed for names like Mac Allister, Tonali, Saliba, and Akanji he has been more accommodating with Alonso, but now refuses to greenlight further spending unless it’s for Rodri.

Alonso, determined not to repeat his predecessor’s fate, insists on having a say in recruitment. He sees the addition of a central midfielder as essential for balancing the team, especially with the physical demands of La Liga and Champions League ahead.

Search for the “Perfect Fit” Continues

With no agreement in sight, José Ángel Sánchez and Juni Calafat have been tasked with finding a midfielder who fits both the coach’s tactical plans and the president’s financial conditions. However, that kind of dual approval appears increasingly difficult.

Finding a player with the quality of Rodri but at a significantly lower cost remains Real Madrid’s biggest challenge in this transfer window.