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SOCCER

Unbelievable: Xabi Alonso's favorite says 'no' to signing for Real Madrid

Real Madrid's planning is getting complicated because one of Xabi Alonso's favorites is demanding a leading role in order to return

Real Madrid faces an unexpected challenge in the midst of planning for the Xabi Alonso era. One of the footballers in whom the sporting management had placed the most trust doesn't seem willing to return to the club without guarantees. The surprise is enormous because this is a player trained at Valdebebas who has always been seen as a strategic piece.

At the white club, they believed that the loan to Serie A would serve to give him experience and competitive seasoning. However, the midfielder's performance has exceeded all expectations and has given him unprecedented confidence. Now he feels he has enough authority to set conditions for Real Madrid itself.

Short-haired, bearded man looking to the side with white and purple soccer team flags in the background
Xabi Alonso is left without one of his favorites because of Carletto | Europa Press, E-Noticies

The name that shakes Real Madrid

We're talking about Nico Paz, the Spanish-Argentinian who has excelled this season at Como with highly impactful performances. His goals, assists, and awards as best under-23 have strengthened his prestige and multiplied the praise. What was supposed to be a loan to help him grow has become a showcase that has put him in the spotlight.

Xabi Alonso considers him one of the most promising talents from the white academy and wanted to add him to his project. But the midfielder has been blunt: he won't return to Real Madrid unless he's guaranteed a starting role. This firm stance breaks with the tradition of patience usually shown by young players waiting for their opportunity.

Two men, one smiling in the foreground and another wearing a Real Madrid soccer jersey in the background, against a blue background with light effects.
Nico Paz shines with Cesc Fàbregas at Como | Europa Press, E-Noticies, @cescf4bregas

Xabi Alonso's dilemma in planning

The new white coach had envisioned a squad with Paz as a quality alternative for the midfield. However, the player doesn't want to be a secondary option but rather a protagonist from the very first minute. This condition forces the club to rethink how they manage his integration.

For Xabi Alonso, the situation becomes an unexpected standoff that strains sporting planning. He knows the youth player's talent is unquestionable, but also that no footballer can receive absolute guarantees of being a starter. The historic discipline of Real Madrid doesn't allow exceptions.

The board insists that no player, no matter how young, can set conditions above the hierarchy. They highly value Paz's growth in Italy, but they remind everyone that the club demands daily competition for a spot. Giving in to this request would set a precedent that could destabilize the locker room.

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