Real Madrid have endured a topsy-turvy start to the year, with Xabi Alonso being succeeded by Alvaro Arbeloa and a host of first-team players currently out injured. They are likely to refresh their project under a new manager after this campaign ends.
Legendary former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has reportedly told Los Blancos to snap up a Chelsea midfielder this summer if they want to hire him to replace Arbeloa.
Klopp Demands Enzo Fernández Signing as Condition for Real Madrid Job
According to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, Red Bull Head of Global Soccer, Klopp, is open to returning to management with Real Madrid. The La Liga side is also keen to bring the 58-year-old German to the club regardless of this term’s success.
As per reports in Spain, Klopp has asked Los Blancos to sign Enzo Fernández from the Blues, with the Argentine’s signing said to be the main condition for accepting the potential job offer. The ex-Liverpool manager is a big admirer of the player’s ability to control tempo from the center of the park and his determined personality on the pitch.
READ MORE: Gareth Bale Explains Why He Rejected Manchester United in 2013
Klopp, who left the Reds at the end of the 2023-24 season, is keen to work with Fernández, as the player’s profile is ideal for maximizing the abilities of Real Madrid’s pacy attackers. He is believed to be aiming to start the midfielder in a double-pivot system.
Fernández, 25, has established himself as one of the best central midfielders since the end of 2022. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has helped the Blues win two trophies so far and contributed double-digit goals and assists in more than 150 appearances for his current club.
The River Plate academy graduate, who is valued at approximately €80 million by Transfermarkt, is likely to start for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. He registered a goal and an assist in the 2022 edition on his way to his first of two international trophies.
Gareth Bale Reacts to Alonso’s Departure
Los Blancos icon Gareth Bale has confirmed that he was unsurprised at Alonso’s sacking in January. He suggested the Spaniard struggled to manage the expectations and relationships required at the club.
“I wasn’t surprised that Xabi was sacked. At Real Madrid, if you overdo it, the players don’t want you. You just need to be a great coach, not an exceptional strategist,” he said.
Alonso, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, oversaw 24 wins, four draws, and six defeats in 34 total appearances during his seven-month stay at Los Blancos.
