Xabi Alonso asks for his signing, he's better than Zubimendi, now Florentino Pérez finally agrees

After what happened last summer with Zubimendi, Real Madrid has decided to make a change in its planning to strengthen the midfield for the 2026 season. Let's remember that, after Xabi Alonso arrived on the Bernabéu bench, the Basque midfielder was strongly rumored as a luxury signing for the new white project. Zubimendi has idolized Xabi since he was young, so his arrival seemed practically sealed.

However, Florentino Pérez stopped the operation at the last moment and argued that Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga were sufficient pieces for that position. His decision left Xabi Alonso without a strategic reinforcement who could make a difference during the season. In fact, the club acknowledges that not signing Zubimendi was a poor decision, although fortunately it has a solution.

As the months have passed, it has become clear that Real Madrid needs to find a midfielder with Zubimendi's profile. He is shining at Arsenal, where he has already established himself as a starter, and he is showing why Xabi Alonso insisted so much on signing him. Now Florentino Pérez's priority is to correct his mistake and strongly pursue a new midfielder.

Rodrigo Mendoza, a new Zubimendi for Xabi Alonso

The one chosen to fill that role is Rodrigo Mendoza, the great revelation at Elche this season. The young midfielder has stood out for his maturity, vision of the game, and ability to set the pace of the match at just 20 years old. His growth has attracted Real Madrid's interest and, above all, Xabi Alonso's.

The operation is considered affordable, since Rodrigo Mendoza's price would be around €20 million. Florentino Pérez views this investment favorably, especially because it offers a different profile from the current midfield. Everything indicates that the club will speed up the process in the coming months to finalize his signing in the summer.

Rodrigo Mendoza's signing for Real Madrid would be a major boost for Xabi Alonso's project. The coach is looking for a more dynamic, creative midfield with greater ability to control the game. The young Elche player fits perfectly into that plan.

Dani Ceballos, the great forgotten

Although Real Madrid has decided to sign Rodrigo Mendoza, the truth is that there is already a similar player in the squad. Dani Ceballos stands out for his good ball control, his intelligence in organizing the game, and his enormous quality, but Xabi Alonso doesn't seem to count on him much. His role is extremely secondary, and with the arrival of the Elche star, it will be even more so.

That's why, barring any surprises, Dani Ceballos will have to pack his bags if Rodrigo Mendoza lands at the Bernabéu. He was already close to doing so last summer, when Zubimendi was strongly rumored, and he won't hesitate to leave Real Madrid to seek playing time.