Xabi Alonso wants five players axed and Modric renewal

The former Los Blancos midfielder Xabi Alonso has confirmed his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, and talks with his old team, Real Madrid, are ongoing.

His return to Madrid is effectively a formality at this stage as Carlo Ancelotti moves on to take charge of the Brazil national team.

The ground work is already being laid for Alonso’s new squad, with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the verge of signing as a free agent, and deal now wrapped up for Dean Huijsen.

Alonso will make changes to Ancelotti’s setup up and that will include fresh tactics and players leaving Madrid.

Alonso is expected to opt for a front two to lead Real Madrid’s attack, with Vinicius Junior partnering Kylian Mbappe.

If that is the case, Rodrygo Goes will be pushed closer to the exit door, with the Brazilian already frustrated at his role under Ancelotti.

Los Blancos are in a position to demand at least €80m for their No.11 and that fee would bolster Alonso’s transfer budget significantly.

As per the latest update from Diario AS, Alonso will sit down for talks with Rodrygo, before making any decision.

Those negotiations will be followed by conversations with four other stars uncertain over their futures in the Spanish capital.

David Alaba has been heavily linked with an exit if he does not fit Alonso’s plans, and the arrival of Huijsen may speed that up.

Ferland Mendy is also on Alonso’s hit list – amid links to Benfica star Alvaro Carreras – with the Frenchman struggling with regular injury issues.

Midfield duo Eduardo Camavainga and Dani Ceballos also face a call on their intentions with Alonso only counting on the pair as back ups.

Meanwhile, after weeks of uncertainty, it appears Luka Modric might finally get some closure, as far as his future at Real Madrid is concerned.

It is no secret that the veteran midfielder is keen on continuing at Santiago Bernabeu for at least one more season, as part of his larger plan to play a key role for Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, Real Madrid have yet to take a final call on Modric’s future, which has led to speculation that he might leave the club after almost a decade and a half.

But according to Radio MARCA, it appears Real Madrid’s impending new coach, Xabi Alonso, has asked the board the renew the contract of Modric.

The report suggests Alonso made a “last-minute request” to ensure Modric remains at the club for another season.

The Spaniard sees the Croatian as a vital figure in terms of experience and leadership in what could be a transitional season for Real Madrid.

Modric’s current contract runs until June 2025, but his role under Carlo Ancelotti this past season was limited.

Still, Alonso believes the 38-year-old’s presence in the dressing room will be key, especially as younger players like Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga continue to grow into bigger roles.

If the renewal goes through, the 2025/26 campaign would mark Modric’s 14th at the club. It’s a remarkable milestone for a player who joined in 2012 and has since won it all with Los Blancos.

Modric, for his part, will be delighted to continue at the Bernabeu.