Xabi Alonso may have been presented as the new Real Madrid manager only earlier this week, but the administration have been working on giving him the squad he demands for a long time now.
After an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, Los Blancos have tightened the noose on the squad and Florentino Perez are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the team is back to its competitive best next season.
Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras are all expected to join this month and the club are also looking for a midfielder. ABC however, bring to light that a striker is on the cards too.
Alonso’s preference
As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Patrik Schick is on Alonso’s list of preferred strikers and Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of roping the Bayer Leverkusen star in for next season.
Notably, the player has worked extensively with Alonso in recent years at the German club and the manager testifies that he will be a good fit for Real Madrid’s system.
❗️Patrik Schick is on Xabi Alonso's list of strikers, but signing him would cost €40m.
— @abc_es pic.twitter.com/5ZBJ3lbmhE
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) May 28, 2025
The pitfall, however, is the asking price of Bayer who quote a figure of €40 million for the striker, something that Real Madrid may not have available to spend after an already expensive window.
It does not take too much research to realise why Alonso backs Schick so much, for the Czech international had 21 goals to his name in just 31 games in the recently concluded Bundesliga season. Further, he completed 78% of his passes and missed just seven big chances.
The other options Real Madrid have considered include Erling Haaland, provided Rodrygo ends up leaving. Meanwhile, Ante Budimir has also been linked as a replacement for Joselu who left last year.
Schick’s experience working with the manager might give him an edge. While he may not have an immediate starting role, it is undeniable that he will be crucial to the coach’s plans should he arrive.