Xabi Alonso demands the signing of a pure "9": The 3 candidates of Real Madrid

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24/04/26 21:00:00

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Xabi Alonso has made clear his first major request as head coach of Real Madrid: a classic center forward who can provide presence in the area and real alternatives in tight matches. Although the club had not planned to reinforce that area this summer, the Basque coach's request has prompted the board to open the door to a specific signing. Ante Budimir, Willian José, and Roberto Firmino are the names on the radar to fill that role, as reported by Diario AS.

The new coaching staff, along with the board, has identified a tactical gap that no current player fully covers. Neither Mbappé, with his tendency to move from the wings, nor Endrick, still in development, offer the aerial power that Joselu once provided. This lack of threat in the air was evident in matches like the quarterfinal second leg against Arsenal, where the team relied on crosses into the area without a clear reference to finish them.

Xabi Alonso wants a pure striker

Budimir, who comes from a standout goal-scoring season with Osasuna, meets several requirements: he is experienced, in good shape, and his price—thanks to a temporary clause of 8 million euros—makes him a highly viable option. At the same time, the club is also closely monitoring Firmino, who is facing a difficult situation at Al Ahli, and Willian José, with experience in LaLiga and a history with Madrid.

At Valdebebas, they are also considering promoting Gonzalo, a forward from the reserve team who shone with 25 goals this season. However, his more versatile profile distances him from the mold of the 'pure number nine' they are looking for. Xabi wants balance in the squad and not to rely solely on individual talent. If Real Madrid wants to compete at the highest level again, they must also equip themselves with less flashy but equally necessary solutions.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Xabi Alonso exige el fichaje de un "9" puro: Los 3 candidatos del Real Madrid