Xabi Alonso’s tenure so far at Real Madrid has had its fair share of ups and downs, but the team is on track to meeting its objectives as the Merengues sit at the top in La Liga and are in the top-eight in the UEFA Champions League.
However, it is clear that there are some deficiencies in the squad that the Merengues will need to address in the future transfer windows.
One such area that needs to be strengthened is the midfield, where they have lacked the presence of a Toni Kroos-like player alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.
Alonso wants Adam Wharton
To that end, according to journalist Latigo Serrano (h/t Defensa Central), Xabi Alonso wants Adam Wharton at Real Madrid.
The Spanish tactician has asked the club to sign the English midfielder from Crystal Palace and wants him as early as the upcoming the winter transfer window.
However, Real Madrid consider the signing very difficult, especially in January. The Merengues will reassess the future of the midfield ahead of next season, but Alonso will likely have to get through this campaign with what he currently has.
Xabi Alonso wants Wharton at Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
As per the report, Alonso wants Wharton at Real Madrid because he is looking for a dynamic figure who can make the team play and dictate the tempo of matches in the style of Kroos.
The 44-year-old coach already requested the Crystal Palace star in the summer, without success.
Real Madrid, for their part, did look into the possibility of signing a midfielder last summer, but their targets – Enzo Fernandez, Vitinha, and Alexis Mac Allister – were all out of reach.
Having spent heavily on the signings of Alvaro Carreras, Franco Mastantuono, and Dean Huijsen, the Spanish capital club decided to push the signing of a midfielder to a future window.
Now, with Alonso requesting Wharton’s signing, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid are willing to grant his wishes and sign the Crystal Palace star.