Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wants a new defensive midfielder as a priority heading into 2026, with club officials identifying both a dream target and a more affordable option.
In terms of a pure defensive anchor, nobody in the Madrid squad can provide high-level cover for French international Aurelien Tchouaméni. Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are both capable deputies but are not seen as natural alternatives.
state Alonso has highlighted this shortcoming to those in charge of transfers at the Santiago Bernabéu, who have agreed to pursue a new signing in 2026.
At the top of the wish list is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. The 21-year-old has shone at Selhurst Park and is attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe, which means he will almost certainly command a mammoth figure.
Palace are looking to tie Wharton down to a new contract but could include a release clause to facilitate a future transfer, but even this may prove to be out of Madrid’s comfort zone, and it is for this reason that the recruitment team have started looking elsewhere.
