Xabi Alonso asks Real Madrid to sign Nicolò Barella and Piero Hincapié, says portal
Following Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final, coach Xabi Alonso has submitted a request to the club’s board to sign Nicolò Barella and Piero Hincapié, according to reports from Defensa Central.
The Spanish coach reportedly identified both players as essential reinforcements for the 2025–26 season as the club enters a transition period following the departure of key veterans and a disappointing international campaign.
Targeted Reinforcements
Barella, currently at Inter Milan, is seen as the ideal replacement for Luka Modrić, who has joined AC Milan after 13 seasons with Real Madrid. The 27-year-old Italian midfielder is known for his box-to-box dynamism, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities Alonso reportedly considers critical for rejuvenating Madrid’s midfield.
Defender Piero Hincapié, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, is also on Alonso’s wishlist. The Ecuadorian international is admired for his versatility and ball progression traits the coach knows well from their time together in Germany.
Club’s Position and Financial Considerations
According to the report, club president Florentino Pérez is open to reinforcing the squad but has made it clear that player sales will be required before pursuing big-money signings. The combined cost of signing Barella and Hincapié could exceed €130 million (R$845 million).
Among those potentially leaving are Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo Goes, the latter of whom has struggled for minutes under Alonso. While the Brazilian forward is happy in Madrid, he has drawn interest from Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Real Madrid is reportedly seeking at least €80 million (R$519 million) for his transfer.
Focus Also on Benfica’s Carrecas
In parallel, Real Madrid’s transfer committee is advancing talks to sign Carrecas, a promising left-back from Benfica. Should the deal be finalized, Carrecas would become the third signing of the summer, in what is already an aggressive window for Los Blancos.
Looking Ahead
Xabi Alonso is shaping the squad for a new chapter post-Club World Cup, and the arrival of Barella and Hincapié would reflect his emphasis on technical midfield strength and defensive resilience. However, whether Real Madrid can meet the financial demands without offloading players remains a key question in the weeks ahead.
