Real Madrid have reportedly accepted two key requests made by their manager, Xabi Alonso, as the club continues to reshape its squad during the summer transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, via Madrid Zone, Alonso has urged the club to retain midfielder Dani Ceballos, who has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks. The former Arsenal and Real Betis man had been linked with a possible return to Betis, but those plans appear to have been shelved following Alonso’s intervention.
In addition to Ceballos, Alonso has reportedly asked the club not to offload any of their current midfielders this summer. The club’s hierarchy is said to have agreed to both requests, signalling strong support for Alonso’s vision ahead of the 2025/26 LaLiga campaign.
The decision comes in the wake of Luka Modric’s departure from the club earlier this month, ending an iconic chapter in Madrid’s midfield history. Alonso, aware of the need for continuity and balance, is focused on maintaining depth and stability in the engine room of the team.
Ceballos, who has struggled for consistent minutes in recent seasons, is now set to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu as part of Alonso’s squad rebuild. The Spanish international’s versatility and experience could prove valuable as Real Madrid aim to compete on multiple fronts next season.
The developments come just days after the club’s unexpected exit from the FIFA Club World Cup at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, adding urgency to the manager’s efforts to reinforce and stabilize the team.
Alonso, who took over managerial duties following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, is determined to begin his tenure with a solid foundation — and retaining key midfield assets is central to that plan.
With the new season approaching, Madrid fans will be watching closely as the club navigates the remainder of the transfer window under Alonso’s strategic direction.
