Real Madrid have reportedly granted two major wishes of newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso as preparations for the 2025/26 campaign intensify during the ongoing summer transfer window.
As revealed by Spanish outlet Cadena SER, via Madrid Zone, Alonso has requested that the club retain midfielder Dani Ceballos, amid swirling rumours of a return to his boyhood side, Real Betis.
While the Spaniard was heavily linked with an exit in recent weeks, those plans seem to have been shelved following Alonso’s direct appeal to the board.
In addition to keeping Ceballos, Alonso has also reportedly insisted that none of the current midfielders be sold during the summer.
The club’s top brass has agreed to both demands, reinforcing their confidence in the manager’s long-term vision for the team.
This strategic decision comes shortly after the departure of club legend Luka Modric, who brought an end to a storied career at the Bernabéu earlier this month.
Alonso, well aware of the importance of stability in midfield, appears to be building his team around continuity rather than sweeping changes.
Ceballos, who has found consistent game time hard to come by in recent seasons, is now expected to remain with the squad and could play a more prominent role under Alonso’s leadership.
The Spanish international’s ability to adapt and his experience at both domestic and European levels could be key assets as Madrid prepare for challenges on multiple fronts.
These moves come on the heels of Real Madrid’s surprising exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, following a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, a result that has intensified the urgency around Alonso’s squad-building efforts.
Taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso is clearly determined to lay down strong foundations in his first season at the helm. Keeping the midfield unit intact is emerging as a central pillar of his blueprint.
With the new LaLiga season drawing closer, all eyes will be on how Real Madrid continue to reshape their squad under Alonso’s clear and calculated guidance.
