Xabi Alonso recommends Leverkusen star as Real Madrid’s midfield solution | OneFootball

In a recent update from Fichajes, it has been revealed that Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has personally requested the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios.

With Luka Modric set to leave after the FIFA Club World Cup, Alonso is focused on bringing in a player who can control the rhythm of the game and lead the midfield for years to come.

Alonso knows Palacios well from their time together at Leverkusen and believes the Argentine would be the perfect addition to his squad.

The 26-year-old midfielder has all the qualities Alonso values and the Spanish manager sees him as someone who can bring balance and help Real Madrid maintain control in tight matches.

Real Madrid set spending limit

The interest in Palacios has already been communicated to the Real Madrid board. Club president Florentino Perez and general director Jose Angel Sanchez are reportedly open to the idea, as long as the deal can be completed within a set budget.

Exequiel Palacios has been recommended by Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are willing to spend up to €20 million for the Argentine, and will not exceed that amount.

Negotiations won’t be easy, as Bayer Leverkusen have developed a reputation for being tough negotiators.

However, Palacios himself is said to be keen on the move and would welcome the chance to join Real Madrid. His willingness to leave could play a key role in pushing the deal forward.

Juni Calafat, one of the club’s key figures in scouting and recruitment, has also been following Palacios’ development closely and supports the move.

If the deal is completed, it would mark the first signing directly requested by Xabi Alonso since becoming Real Madrid’s manager, a clear sign that the club is beginning to shape its future around his ideas.

With Modric’s chapter coming to an end, bringing in Palacios could be the first major step in building Alonso’s new-look midfield at the Santiago Bernabéu.