Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is in a tough spot after “relinquishing” the top of La Liga to Barcelona. – The newspaper headlines in the Spanish capital have been crass and the search for a new manager is already underway. One fan writes on social media: “I thought it was Barcelona who were in a crisis”.
There are many who point to today’s hanging match against Athletic Club as crucial to whether Xabi Alonso has a future at Real Madrid.
Things need to be rectified and for now, Alonso has big money behind him: Real Madrid, according to Marca, are preparing a bid of 150 million euros to sign Bukayo Saka. The English Arsenal player is said to be Xabi Alonso’s new wish to strengthen the right wing.
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Inside the Spanish big club, the conviction is clear: the English winger is the ideal piece for Xabi Alonso’s project, especially if one of their current attackers were to leave the club.
Real Madrid’s commitment to the future
Real Madrid take the possibility of signing Saka very seriously, but the transfer directly depends on the future of Vinicius Jr or Rodrygo. According to media such as Team Talk, the club will only open the coffin if one of the two Brazilians leaves the club this summer. Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez consider Saka a priority if the opportunity arises.
This interest took off after Saka’s performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Englishman scored, impressed and showed character, which convinced the Madrid management that he can thrive at the Santiago Bernabéu. His technical and mental profile fits perfectly with the style Alonso demands.
Xabi Alonso sees Saka as the perfect right winger
For coach Xabi Alonso, Saka is not only a great talent; He is the ideal right winger for his style of play. With his speed, ability to make goal passes and score, the Englishman will provide a crucial offensive boost. Moreover, his youth and potential fit into the ambitious rebuilding the club is aiming for.
The board also agrees that Saka can fill part of the void that will arise from the eventual departure of Vinicius or Rodrygo. Reports suggest that Real Madrid had already approved a starting bid of €120 million to sign the player this summer. However, new sources raise this amount to €150 million, showing how far the club is willing to go to secure him.
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Obstacles and resistance on the road
Despite Real Madrid’s interest, not everything will be easy. Arsenal do not want to part with their star. Saka is a central figure in the London club’s project, and his importance to the team has grown considerably. It is also taken for granted that he will soon sign a contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid players at Arsenal.
In addition, the transfer largely depends on Real Madrid managing to sell Vinicius or Rodrygo. Both have been the subject of transfer rumours: there is speculation of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs for Vinicius, and from clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester City for Rodrygo. If neither of them leaves the club, the signing of Saka could be put on ice.
The risk that the large tax will not materialize
The biggest risk for Real Madrid is that the deal stagnates. If Arsenal refuse to sell, and neither Vinicius nor Rodrygo leave the club, Madrid could be left empty-handed. However, the ambition is huge: a bid between 120 and 150 million euros for Saka would demonstrate that the club will not skimp on costs to strengthen the right wing and ensure a more competitive future under Alonso.
Real Madrid have an ambitious plan for Bukayo Saka. If they complete this multi-million bid, it could mark the start of a new attacking phase at the Bernabéu, with a young, powerful player with the potential to lead the right wing in the Basque manager’s project.
