Report: Xabi Alonso to offload Real Madrid trio Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo

    Real Madrid plan a squad overhaul after their 4-0 FIFA Club World Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, with Xabi Alonso reportedly targeting exits for Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz, and Rodrygo.

    Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo of Real Madrid Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo of Real Madrid

    The Spanish giants, who ended the 2024/25 season without silverware, are determined to reclaim their dominance, and Alonso's decisive transfer strategy signals the start of a new era.

    Spanish outlet Fichajes reported that Alonso has lost faith in Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz, and Rodrygo, placing all three on the transfer list as he seeks to reshape the squad. The trio's limited involvement during the Club World Cup, coupled with the team's trophyless campaign, marked by a Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal and a second-place La Liga finish behind Barcelona, has prompted the former Liverpool midfielder to act swiftly.

    Rodrygo, the 24-year-old Brazilian winger, has drawn significant interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City. Despite scoring 87 goals for Real Madrid, he was benched for the entirety of the PSG defeat and managed only 92 minutes across the tournament.

    Alonso addressed the decision, stating, "I didn't play Rodrygo for a technical decision. We thought we would be better off with other players. It's not about his future."

    Posts on X from transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri have fueled speculation, revealing that Rodrygo has "made the Premier League his priority" and rejected a move to Saudi club Al-Nassr. Tavolieri added, "Liverpool could move for Rodrygo and compete with Arsenal if they end up losing Luis Diaz," highlighting the winger's appeal as a potential replacement for the Barcelona-linked Diaz.

    Brahim Diaz, the former Manchester City attacker, faces an equally uncertain future. Despite featuring in four Club World Cup matches, he clocked just 103 minutes, with Alonso favoring young Turkish star Arda Guler and incoming Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono.

    Sources suggest Diaz is "no longer an option" for the new manager, with Real Madrid reportedly in advanced talks to extend his contract until 2027, though his role remains unclear.

    Dani Ceballos, once a loanee at Arsenal, appears to have no place in Alonso's plans. Limited to 70 minutes in the Club World Cup, the midfielder's prospects are dimmed by the return of Eduardo Camavinga and Real Madrid's pursuit of another midfielder. Fichajes noted that Alonso "does not trust" Ceballos to lead the team forward, making a summer exit likely.

    Elsewhere, Real Madrid are navigating other transfer developments. Manchester United have tabled a substantial bid for midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, according to Spanish sources, though Alonso's stance on the French star remains unclear.

    Meanwhile, Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate has emerged as a prime target, with the defender reportedly responding to interest from both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid by saying, "I'm focused on my football."

    Sunderland, fresh from Premier League promotion, have also entered the fray, submitting a significant offer for Real Madrid's rising star Gonzalo Garcia, though they face competition from two unnamed English clubs.

    Alonso's ruthless approach underscores his intent to restore Real Madrid's winning mentality. With the summer transfer window open until September 1, the coming weeks promise significant changes as the club looks to rebound from a disappointing season.