Xabi Alonso immediately starts his work after being hired as manager of Real Madrid. – He immediately shows he is not a “push over” by demanding negotiations with a player that club president Florentino Pérez thought was superfluous.

Alonso, who has taken over from Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful Real Madrid manager of all time, has immediately been given a big task, leading the club to victory in the Club World Cup. – The tournament that runs from June 2025 to July 13, 2025 in the United States has a prize pool of $1 billion.

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Real Madrid striker Rodrygo Goes is at a crossroads in his future at the club, as Los Blancos are interested in extending his contract. However, the Brazilian attacker has yet to make a decision on whether he wants to stay at the club.

Rodrygo has been in the spotlight of speculation for weeks, after he did not play the last month of the season for Real Madrid. At the same time, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have all been linked with a transfer for him. Sources have told Football España that Rodrygo is disappointed with the reduced playing time and wants to speak to Xabi Alonso to understand his role in the team going forward. “It’s going to happen, it’s no secret that Rodrygo’s experience and ability to deliver every single time he gets the chance is going to be exchanged for more playing time.

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Real Madrid want to extend Rodrygo Goes’ contract
Although he has a deal until 2028, said sources have revealed that Real Madrid want to extend his contract until 2030, underlining how important he is in their long-term plans. They want to ensure his continuity in the squad, but as of now there are disagreements in the contract negotiations.

However, Rodrygo will not commit to his future until he gets clarity on his role, which will only happen through talks with Alonso. Paris Saint-Germain are also mentioned as an interested party, despite having signed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola for the last three seasons. Either way, Ligue 1 or the Premier League are his most likely destinations. If there are no talks with Alonso, Rodrygo could also decide to leave Los Blancos with no guarantees about his role.

Xabi Alonso avoids revealing tactical plans at Real Madrid
During his first press conference as Real Madrid manager, Alonso revealed nothing about which formation he will play with, or an exact style of play. He also did not show his cards when it came to several players and stated about Rodrygo that he “had to have a conversation”, as with all players, and that Rodrygo “would be important, like everyone else”.