Real Madrid Coach Xabi Alonso Eagerly Awaits Arrival of World-Class Winger This Summer
Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, is reportedly eagerly anticipating the arrival of a top-class winger this summer. According to a Spanish report, the former Spanish international midfielder believes that the club’s upcoming star is even better than Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Real Madrid began a new era at the end of last season when they decided to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti and replace him with Alonso. The Spanish coach had turned down the opportunity to manage Liverpool last year, but when Real Madrid came calling, he left Bayer Leverkusen to take charge of the Spanish and European giants.
Under Alonso’s leadership, Real Madrid began their new era by participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, having already signed Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Bournemouth and Liverpool, respectively.
Although Madrid got off to a solid start in the tournament, they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
This loss reportedly led Alonso to question his current squad. In response, the club swiftly moved to target Liverpool duo Ibrahima Konaté and Alexis Mac Allister.
According to Defensa Central, Alonso has had his eyes firmly set on Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
The 17-year-old Argentine international winger is expected to officially join Real Madrid’s squad in August when he turns 18.
An agreement has already been reached with River Plate, with Real Madrid set to pay €63.2 million (£55m, $74m) for Mastantuono.
Defensa Central, a media outlet closely affiliated with Real Madrid, reported that Alonso “believes Franco Mastantuono’s arrival could be a game-changer for the team.”
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder hopes the Argentine winger can be the “missing piece” in his team.
The report claims that Alonso considers the right winger “better than Lamine Yamal.”
It further adds that “Mastantuono arrives as an upgrade over Lamine Yamal in terms of wages, as his salary will be significantly lower than that of the Spanish player.”
Like Mastantuono, Yamal also plays as a right winger and will turn 18 this Sunday.
Yamal is widely recognized as one of the best young players in the world, having already achieved significant success by winning two La Liga titles with Barcelona and the UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain.
Xabi Alonso Wants to Sell Real Madrid Forward Brahim Díaz
While Alonso awaits the arrival of Mastantuono, he is reportedly ready to part ways with Brahim Díaz.
According to Fichajes, Díaz is one of three Real Madrid players Alonso has placed on the summer transfer list.
The Moroccan international, who can play in various attacking roles including on the wings, was not a regular starter under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Fichajes reports that Bayern Munich are interested in making a summer move for Díaz.
The Bundesliga champions are reportedly looking for a player to add depth on the left wing, and they believe Díaz would be an ideal fit for the role.
Watch Franco Mastantuono’s Skills, Goals, and Assists
