Real Madrid faces a new season with soaring excitement after a summer transfer window that has shaken Europe. Florentino Pérez once again showed financial strength with the arrival of Franco Mastantuono, the Argentine whom many consider Messi's heir. In addition, he reinforced the backline with Dean Huijsen and surprised the world by signing Trent Alexander-Arnold to strengthen the right flank.
On paper, the Merengue squad seems more complete than ever, with top-level reinforcements in every line. Mastantuono arrived at just 18 years old (18 años) and with the label of a global gem, a signing for both the future and the present. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold arrives to raise the level of a defense that needed fresh air on the wing.
Despite all these moves, Xabi Alonso acknowledges that there are still shortcomings that must be solved to reach excellence. The Donostian coach believes that the squad lacks an attacking midfielder capable of consistently making a difference. The sporting management shares that assessment and is already working to identify the perfect profile to fill that gap.
A team with pieces yet to fit
Real Madrid keeps a solid foundation, but not all the gears seem to work as they should at this start. Mastantuono's versatility allows him to adapt to several roles, although he is not yet a leader in the attacking midfield. Meanwhile, Vinícius and Rodrygo shine on the wing, but they do not manage to provide the control and composure that the interior play needs.
Xabi Alonso has insisted in several private conversations that he needs a player capable of linking up in tight spaces. A footballer who can thread passes, break lines with vision, and keep the team together in moments of maximum demand. The white team's playing model needs a piece that connects the midfield with the attack.
The board, aware of that need, is considering several alternatives in the European market. However, top talents in that position are scarce and the few available come with astronomical prices. That shortage forces a quick move if they do not want to arrive late in the race for a top-level attacking midfielder.
An increasingly evident shortcoming
The problem has become apparent at the start of LaLiga, where Real Madrid has not managed to dominate the midfield. Mastantuono offers flashes of quality, but he still lacks the experience to shoulder so much competitive weight. The lack of an offensive organizer left the team without solutions against an opponent that knew how to close interior spaces.
In La Liga, the scenario has been similar in the first two matchdays. Xabi Alonso's side dominated possession, but they did not find clarity in the final third. The Basque coach has already conveyed to Florentino the urgency of bringing in a profile that can provide that lost creativity.
Meanwhile, the English press claim that some Premier League teams are also watching the situation with interest. Chelsea and Manchester United would be alert to any movement, aware that Real Madrid is looking for an attacking midfielder. However, the white club has an advantage thanks to its coach's personal insistence.
Xabi Alonso's greatest desire
Sources close to the locker room indicate that the coach has already held talks with the board about the desired player. He is a footballer trained at La Masia, with international experience, and who has already shown his talent in the Bundesliga. A young, versatile profile with enough personality to wear white and make a difference in Europe.
The technical reports agree that he would be a strategic addition for both the present and the future. His ability to unbalance, his versatility to adapt to several positions, and his competitive maturity make him a top priority. Xabi Alonso himself, aware of the pressure that comes with managing Real Madrid, has made it clear: "We need you."
The name is no longer a secret: Xavi Simons, a Barça youth product and current Leipzig star, is Madrid's dream signing. His arrival would be a symbolic blow to the eternal rival, as well as filling the major gap in the white project. Florentino and Xabi know that the operation is complex, but they are willing to do whatever it takes to see him in white.
