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22 hours ago
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Real Madrid’s midfield is entering a new chapter after Toni Kroos retired in 2024 and Luka Modric moved to AC Milan this July after running out of his contract, leaving behind a void that Xabi Alonso cannot ignore.
The club have spent heavily on defense and wide options this summer but they are yet to bring in a central figure who can control the tempo and offer stability in the middle.
Alonso has identified the need for a deeper midfielder who can provide defensive cover with playmaking ability, carrying forward the traditions once held by Kroos and Modric in Madrid’s midfield.
Alonso looked to internal options to fill the role during the Club World Cup and early preseason with Arda Guler impressing with his creativity but the coaching staff believes he cannot yet handle the responsibility on his own.
Real Madrid interested in Premier League talent
According to Defensa Central, Alonso has turned his attention to the Premier League and is closely monitoring Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace standout Adam Wharton.
Both are young midfielders with the technical quality to develop into reliable leaders for a team chasing European dominance.
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According to the same report, Los Blancos are targeting a signing for the near future and believe the England international duo has impressed their scouts, but they are “yet stood out enough to integrate into the orbit of Europe's football elite.”
Real Madrid’s scouting department will continue to intensify its monitoring of both players in the coming months.
What is Manchester United and Crystal Palace stance?
Even if Real Madrid make a move for Mainoo, it is unlikely the Man United will sell the player.
According to GiveMeSport, The Red Devils recently rejected approaches for Mainoo having recently turned away Tottenham Hotspur’s interest.
The 20-year-old is using pre-season to prove his value to new manager Ruben Amorim and remains central to United’s plans.
Crystal Palace are also determined to keep Wharton and have set a nine-figure asking price after Tottenham made an inquiry earlier in the window. Real Madrid are unlikely to pursue a transfer at that valuation.
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