Casting to be the architect of Xabi Alonso's new Real Madrid: Florian Wirtz's desire, Nico Paz's opportunity, Mastantuono's future...

Real Madrid are in a state of disconnection and reflection. Without a competitive spirit since the defeat in the Montjuic derby, most of the dressing room is already thinking about the rest they will have between May 26 and the international matches in the first week of June, and the days off available between those matches and the trip to the United States for the Club World Cup . The Real Madrid expedition will cross the pond on June 14 and the board wants to include several signings that will strengthen their chances of lifting the title and getting the more than 100 million of the succulent prize . Xabi Alonso will take over the bench in a few days and the club is confident it can count on Dean Huijsen , already announced, Alexander-Arnold , waiting to see if Liverpool will allow him to play in the tournament, and Álvaro Carreras , in the middle of negotiations with Benfica, in America, combing the market and conducting a casting call for the central midfield position. They want football and are looking for the architect of this new Madrid.

After this season's struggles in playmaking, the club has realised it needs a footballing mastermind, a player capable of building the team's play. At Leverkusen, Xabi, in a system with three centre-backs and two wing-backs, left the midfield to Xhaka and Palacios , players with good feet but nothing extraordinary in their handling compared to Kroos or Modric , historic players in their positions. And beyond them, the key man for Alonso was not a central midfielder, but a technically talented playmaker capable of flowing throughout the team's core: Florian Wirtz .

For that example, and pending further relevant meetings, the Bernabéu offices are not working with Xabi on the signing of a pure central midfielder, but rather on a midfielder who can link up in different areas of the pitch. The coach would love to sign Wirtz , whom he made the best player in the Bundesliga a few months ago, and he is liked in the Bernabéu offices. Bayer is asking for more than 100 million and Madrid seems unwilling to undertake a deal of that magnitude unless Rodrygo leaves, but Alonso's pressure, after analysing the squad during the month of the World Cup, could end up being crucial.

So far, Leverkusen has received interest from Bayern Munich , Manchester City, and Liverpool , but hasn't finalized negotiations with any of them. And the player, at 22 years old and under contract until 2027, is awaiting developments, aware that after Alonso's departure, it's time for a change.

Madrid continues to rely on Tchouaméni , Valverde and, especially, Camavinga for the base, and so does Alonso, with Bellingham navigating between them and Vinicius and Mbappé . But football is lacking and the need for such a profile in the squad is understood. Modric wants to renew but is waiting for a talk with Alonso and what is clear at the Bernabéu is that the Croatian cannot take on so many games. He has appeared in 55 matches, second only to Fede Valverde (57).

Ceballos , for his part, was important at one point during the season until his injury, but since then, due to discomfort, he has not returned to his full level. The Croatian and the Andalusian will be at the World Cup , but without Camavinga, injured, and waiting to see if Bellingham has shoulder surgery, Xabi, beyond big-name players, would like to have some extra pieces.

Nico Paz and Mastantuono, young options

In this rotation role, Madrid is analyzing Nico Paz 's current form. The Argentine international has exploded into stardom at Como with six goals and eight assists as a playmaker, and Los Blancos can sign him for nine million. At 20 years old, he'd be affordable, but his compatibility with Güler is being studied. They don't want to hinder either player's progress, and Xabi will decide.

Another future option is Franco Mastantuono , the latest gem of Argentine football. A 17-year-old left-footed attacking midfielder with a good shot and quality. He's well-liked at the Bernabéu , always keeping an eye on promising South American talent, but it seems there's a bidding war for him. He won't arrive until after the Club World Cup, though, because he doesn't turn 18 until August. Casting time.