Bellingham pressured Xabi Alonso before the Real Madrid-Juventus match, saying that if Arda Güler remained on the pitch, he would leave. Xabi Alonso made his decision immediately, surprising the entire fan base!
In a dramatic turn of events, Real Madrid midfield star Jude Bellingham has issued a stark ultimatum to his new manager, Xabi Alonso, threatening to leave the club if young Turkish star Arda Güler remains the favorite for the starting lineup. The revelation has shocked Real Madrid fans, especially as the team prepares for a crucial FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 match against Juventus. Alonso’s swift response to Bellingham’s demands has surprised fans and analysts, sparking a heated debate over both players’ futures at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The saga begins ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial clash with Juventus, following Alonso’s impressive group stage performances in his new tenure. Bellingham, who has been a key part of the team since his arrival, has been frustrated by the growing importance of 20-year-old prodigy Guler, whose displays have captivated fans and the coaching staff. Sources close to the club suggest Bellingham’s concerns stem from an apparent overlapping of roles, with both players vying for creative control in midfield. Guler’s recent displays, including a calm goal against Pachuca and an outstanding performance in the 3-0 win over RB Salzburg, have drawn praise from Alonso, who described the Turk as a player who “needs to be close to the ball” to maximize his impact.
But Bellingham is no stranger to the spotlight. The England international has been a revelation at Real Madrid, earning rave reviews for his goalscoring ability and leadership, including Alonso’s prediction that Bellingham could one day win the Ballon d’Or. His performances at the Club World Cup, including a scintillating finish against Pachuca, have cemented him as a fan favorite. However, the 22-year-old’s frustration reportedly reached boiling point when Alonso opted to play Guler in midfield alongside him in a 3-5-2 against Salzburg, a tactical switch that showcased Guler’s versatility but left Bellingham feeling left out.
Bellingham’s ultimatum reportedly came during a private meeting with Alonso, where he expressed his desire for clarity regarding his role in the team. The midfielder, who will undergo shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup, reiterated his commitment to Real Madrid but warned that he would consider his future if Guler’s prominence came at the expense of his own playing time. The news, first reported by Real Madrid Confidencial, sparked widespread speculation, with some suggesting Bellingham’s comments were a ploy to showcase Alonso’s influence amid the squad overhaul.
Alonso, known for his calm and calculating approach, responded quickly to the situation with a decision that surprised many. Rather than giving in to Bellingham’s demands, the manager reaffirmed his commitment to Guler, announcing that the young Turk would remain key to his plans for the 2025/26 season. Alonso praised both players in a press conference ahead of the Juventus match, saying: “Jude has the quality and ambition to lead this team, but Arda brings something special. They can coexist and make us stronger.” This bold stance has divided fans: some applaud Alonso’s confidence in Guler’s potential, while others fear that moving away from Bellingham could have long-term consequences.
The decision has added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash against Juventus. Already wary of Real Madrid’s formidable midfield trio of Bellingham, Guler, and Federico Valverde, Italian media described Juventus’ chances against Alonso’s side as “almost impossible.” This clash will test Real Madrid’s cohesion, with Guler starting alongside Bellingham in a midfield that has shown both brilliance and fragility. Despite the off-field drama, Alonso remains focused on securing victory, with the coach emphasizing the need for balance and harmony within his squad.
For Bellingham, the situation represents a critical turning point. His upcoming surgery will keep him out for three to four months, during which time Guler is likely to cement his place in the team. The Turkish star, who has attracted interest from Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, and Newcastle United, has made it clear he wants to stay and fight for his place at Real Madrid. His recent comments about feeling more valued under Alonso suggest a growing bond between player and manager, further complicating Bellingham’s situation.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Juventus, the spotlight will be on Bellingham and Guler, not only for their performances on the pitch, but also for how they have handled this unexpected split. Alonso’s decision to back Guler and encourage Bellingham to embrace his role marks the beginning of a new era at the club, marked by bold decisions and fierce competition. Whether this gamble will pay off or cause further unrest remains to be seen, but for now, the football world is watching closely as Real Madrid’s stars battle for supremacy under their ambitious new manager.
