Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has secured many of the pieces he deemed necessary for his project before the commencement of the FIFA Club World Cup. There are, however, certain departments still in need of signings.
The centre-forward position is one such position that needs a new name and the manager is looking for a ‘Joselu’ like signing who can tick multiple boxes on a budget fee.
After all, any incoming player cannot be guaranteed a starting role which is why Real Madrid are looking at players who are at the fag end of their career. Ante Budimir is one such player linked to Los Blancos.
Budimir talks
The Osasuna veteran faced the media earlier recently and inevitably faced questions on his future and whether the interest from Real Madrid was concrete and had any substance to it.
Out of respect for his current employers, however, Budimir refused to even comment on the situation and signalled for tranquillity before jumping to any conclusions.
Ante Budimir is linked to Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
“Real Madrid interest? I have the utmost respect for my club Osasuna. I’m very happy where I am,” he said (h/t Madrid Xtra)
He admitted that the news was not completely untrue but did not go too deep into the matter, thus giving away nothing.
“I understand there may be some interest, but my focus was on Croatia and now it’s time to rest. I will leave the transfer talks to someone else.”
Real Madrid, in any case, will not bring in a new striker in time for the FIFA Club World Cup and any movement concerning Budimir or a number 9 is only expected after the tournament ends before the start of the new season.
The player fits the profile Alonso demands and it remains to be seen if the manager sees him as his top target.
Given his age, contractual situation and experience, there do not seem to be too many more options in the same bracket.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Not many foresaw Rodrygo’s downfall at Real Madrid accelerating in the manner it did last season but it has now reached a point where his future at the club is in jeopardy.
The Brazilian international has usually been a reliable name under Carlo Ancelotti and stepped up in numerous high-pressure situations to pull the team out of trouble.
The past year, however, has been rough on him for multiple reasons.
For starters, his form has not been quite up to the mark and concurrently he has found himself to be the scapegoat in attack who can be sacrificed for an extra-midfielder.
No change in heart
As relayed by Jorge C Picon, it still seems that Rodrygo has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer despite his reduced prominence and links to the Premier League.
Rodrygo does not want to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
What appears certain at this point is that the youngster will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso.
With the manager’s preferred dynamics and personnel expected to be clear by the end of the event, he can then take a decision on his best step forward.
Rodrygo, who has suitors in the Premier League, has always been one to proudly defend the Real Madrid crest and it is safe to say that he will stay at the club if there is even a remote chance that the manager believes in his abilities.
Alonso has usually been one to back younger players to find their best version, but a lot will depend on the formation he adopts in his first season as the manager.