The signing Xabi Alonso requested in the summer and that Real Madrid denied him

In the last summer transfer market, Real Madrid had a strategic operation on the table that is now generating internal debate. Xabi Alonso urged the white's board to make an effort and pay Martín Zubimendi's release clause, convinced that he fit perfectly into the sporting project.

The club chose not to go through with the operation, and the midfielder eventually left Real Sociedad for Arsenal. Just a few months later, his impact in the Premier League has reopened a debate that is now being regretted in Valdebebas.

Xabi Alonso was clear about it

From the outset, Xabi Alonso identified Zubimendi as a key piece for Real Madrid's midfield. The coach saw in him a midfielder with tactical reading, personality, and an uncommon maturity for his age. Furthermore, he believed that his profile naturally suited the style of play he wanted to implement, based on control, order, and positional intelligence.

The bond between them went beyond football. Alonso was convinced that his own career path as a player could be a decisive factor in persuading the Spanish international. Both share a similar background, a deep understanding of the game, and an ability to interpret the timing of the match from the foundation of the play.

However, doubts arose within the white club. The €60 million investment was considered high at the time, especially considering other market priorities and confidence in internal solutions. That caution proved decisive in not closing the deal.

Arsenal did not hesitate and got it right

While the option cooled off in Madrid, Arsenal acted decisively. The London club understood that Zubimendi was a market opportunity that was hard to come by and did not hesitate to trigger the clause. The move has been fully justified in just a few months of competition.

The Spanish midfielder quickly settled in the heart of one of Europe's most competitive teams. His adaptation was immediate, showing personality, tactical rigor, and consistent reliability in ball distribution. Far from needing a long adjustment period, Zubimendi assumed leadership from the start.

In England, he is already seen as a fundamental piece of the project. His performance has confirmed that the €60 million were not only not excessive but a true bargain for a player destined to dominate his position for the next decade.

Silent regret at Valdebebas

At Real Madrid, Zubimendi's growth has not gone unnoticed. Internally, it is acknowledged that perhaps there was a lack of determination to support Xabi Alonso's express desire. Time has proven the coach right, as he saw in the player from San Sebastián a midfielder ready to compete at the highest level from day one.

The situation creates an uncomfortable feeling. Not only for having lost a player who fit into the generational transition of the midfield but also for letting go of a clear opportunity in an increasingly inflated market. Today, a profile like Zubimendi's would have a significantly higher cost.

Furthermore, his consolidation at Arsenal complicates any future attempt to bring him in. The London club has no need to sell, and the player's value keeps rising with each convincing performance. In Madrid, they accept that this door was closed last summer.

The Zubimendi case has become an example of how a prudent decision can turn into a cause for regret. Xabi Alonso saw it before anyone else. Arsenal acted on it. And Real Madrid now observes how one of Europe's most promising midfielders shines far from the Santiago Bernabéu.