- Tensions reportedly emerged between Xabi Alonso and Florentino Perez over Real Madrid’s summer plans
- Alonso pushed for more accessible targets, but Perez wants only elite-level signings
- Saudi Arabia are circling with a €350m bid for Vinicius, adding pressure amid internal disputes
Key Takeaways:
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly clashed with club president Florentino Perez over the squad’s composition, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
As the team returned to Madrid after the Club World Cup, a meeting was held between Perez and Alonso, during which the president expressed his disappointment with the club’s showing in the tournament. According to the report, differences arose between the two men over the need to strengthen the defensive midfield position.
🚨 BREAKING: Saudi Arabia are ready to make a €350m bid to Real Madrid for Vinícius Junior this summer. The player wants to stay, but talks have been going on with Saudi for a year and door is not shut.
— @JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/8mS7NcWwSL
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) July 17, 2025
Perez is only prepared to release funds for a player of global stature, specifically pointing to Manchester City’s Rodri. However, a move for the Spanish international is currently considered very difficult to execute.
On the other hand, Alonso proposed more realistic alternatives in Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Nicolo Barella (Inter), and Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar), but all of those options were reportedly rejected by the club president.
Meanwhile, separate pressure is building from abroad, as Saudi Arabia is ready to make a €350 million offer to Real Madrid for Vinicius Junior this summer. While the Brazilian forward wants to stay, negotiations over his contract extension are dragging and remain incomplete. Talks with Saudi representatives have reportedly been ongoing for a year, and although Vinicius is committed to the club, the uncertainty is fuelling hope on the Saudi side that the door remains open.