44-Year-Old Alonso Denied Winter Transfers as Real Madrid President Focuses on Negreira Case

The European winter transfer window is around the corner, but Spanish giants Real Madrid are unlikely to make any signings. On December 30, multiple Spanish media outlets, including COPE radio, confirmed that coach Xabi Alonso had hoped to strengthen the squad with two key signings in central defense and midfield. However, the club’s board rejected the request, as President Florentino Pérez is currently focused on the ongoing "Negreira case."

Real Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points after 18 La Liga rounds and has only collected 12 points from six Champions League matches, leaving their direct path to the round of 16 uncertain. With the squad plagued by injuries, Alonso was keen to bring in two reinforcements to secure his position, but the board stood firm.

The management believes that winter signings historically bring limited results. It is difficult to find suitable players mid-season, and prices tend to be high. The last successful winter window for Real Madrid dates back to 2007, when they signed Higuaín, Marcelo, and Gago. Subsequent winter moves, including Fábio Coentrão, Huntelaar, and Lass Diarra, ended in disappointment.

Although acknowledging some squad weaknesses, the club is hoping injured players will recover soon, and next season, the highly anticipated Nico Paz is expected to address Madrid’s midfield issues. Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez remains focused on the latest developments in the Negreira case, actively expanding the report to be submitted to FIFA.

As for whether 44-year-old Alonso will retain his position until the summer window, it will all depend on his performance and luck in the remainder of the season.