In Germany they label as ‘a priority’ the signing Xabi Alonso has requested

Xabi Alonso has many open fronts in Real Madrid and none of them is minor. The most urgent thing that he must solve is the feelings that the team conveys, because the play is still not convincing. In a few days the Spanish Super Cup will begin and the white team needs immediate results so that the project doesn't fall apart.

The situation is so demanding that a misstep can be extremely costly, even if it happens in January. If Real Madrid is eliminated in the semifinals against Atlético, Xabi's future at Bernabéu could be decided. But even if the team reaches the final, his fate can be the same if what is seen on the field doesn't improve.

Xabi Alonso knows that Real Madrid needs signings to change course

Xabi Alonso needs to change the team's course and that is why he is not focused only on the sporting aspect of the day-to-day. He understands that, in order to improve the collective image, the team needs fresh legs and a structural leap in quality. Therefore, despite how risky the moment is, he is already thinking about next summer.

The message to the white board has been clear and very direct: the squad needs adjustments to recover stability. Xabi Alonso believes that the team suffers too much when the opponent presses and the block splits. In his view, everything starts with reinforcing the defensive area with a reliable center-back.

In Germany they point to Nico Schlotterbeck as Real Madrid's priority

Curiously, from Germany they report that Nico Schlotterbeck is Real Madrid's priority signing for next season. The powerful Borussia Dortmund defender is on the radar because of his physical profile, his defensive aggressiveness, and his excellent ball distribution. He is a modern center-back, capable of defending high and sustaining demanding duels for 90 minutes, exactly what Xabi needs and has requested.

In addition, Nico Schlotterbeck's contractual situation fuels the interest, because his contract ends next season and Dortmund fear that they may react too late. If he doesn't renew, he could leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2027, a very attractive scenario for any giant. But Real Madrid doesn't want to wait that long and Xabi Alonso has already requested that his arrival be brought forward to the 2026 market.

The key, as almost always, will depend on the bench. If Xabi Alonso remains in charge at the end of the current season, the club will activate the operation with much more strength. Meanwhile, if the project doesn't work out, the planning can change completely and leave Nico Schlotterbeck forgotten.