Not Zubimendi or Stiller Real Madrid’s Surprise Midfield Target Revealed “he is a work of art the heart of a midfielder” 😳 Xabi Alonso picked his perfect defensive midfielder and Perez agree to go all in
In a dramatic turn of events during his latest press conference at the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has sensationally revealed his preferred choice to anchor Real Madrid’s midfield next season — and it’s not Martin Zubimendi or Angelo Stiller, the two names most heavily linked with a Bernabéu move in recent months.
Speaking candidly to reporters, Alonso stunned the football world by declaring:
> “He is a work of art. The heart of a midfielder. I’ve been watching him quietly for the past two seasons — his reading of the game, his bravery, his timing… for me, he’s the one. This is the type of defensive midfielder Real Madrid deserves.”
Although Alonso stopped short of directly naming the player in front of the cameras, multiple reports from Madrid-based journalists claim the surprise target is João Neves, Benfica’s sensational 19-year-old midfield prodigy. Neves, who has impressed across both domestic and European competition this season, is now seen as the ideal long-term successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in the Real Madrid engine room.
Sources close to the Real Madrid hierarchy confirm that club president Florentino Pérez has personally given the green light to go “all-in” on securing Neves, with discussions already underway between Madrid officials and Benfica. The Portuguese club are said to be holding out for a fee in the region of €80 million, but Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to meet the valuation after Alonso’s emphatic recommendation.
📝 Why Not Zubimendi or Stiller?
Zubimendi of Real Sociedad had been considered the frontrunner for several months, especially given his tactical intelligence and La Liga experience. Angelo Stiller, currently impressing in the Bundesliga, was another name on Real Madrid’s shortlist. However, Alonso appears to have pivoted sharply in favour of raw talent and versatility.
An insider within the coaching staff hinted:
> “The gaffer sees something rare in Neves — not just his ability to break up play, but to command and dictate the rhythm at such a young age. He reminds him of a young Alonso in many ways, but even more daring.”
🏆 Real Madrid Midfield Revolution Incoming
With Toni Kroos confirming his retirement after Euro 2024 and Modrić expected to depart next summer, Real Madrid are plotting a midfield overhaul to complement the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde.
Landing João Neves would not only add a youthful heartbeat to their midfield but also future-proof Real’s central core for the next decade.
⚪ What’s Next?
Negotiations between Real Madrid and Benfica are believed to be progressing well, with an official offer expected before the end of the Club World Cup. Should the deal go through, Neves could become the latest jewel in Real Madrid’s growing collection of elite young talent, following the likes of Endrick, Arda Güler, and Kylian Mbappé.
Madridistas around the world will be watching closely as Alonso’s first major transfer demand edges closer to reality.