Real Madrid is located in the center of a torbellino of speculation after the overwhelming 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals of the 2025 Club World Cup, held at the New Jersey Metlife Stadium. Xabi Alonso, the new Madrid coach, has unleashed a new controversy by expressing his admiration for two PSG players, whose identity has not been confirmed, but which according to nearby sources could be Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué. In a leaked conversation, Alonso said: “I was impressed by their technique and speed, I will bring them at any price.” However, the ambition of coach Tolosarra ran into a monumental obstacle when Nasser al-Khelaïfi, president of the PSG, replied demanding an astronomical figure of 800 million dollars for both players, leaving Alonso in a revealing silence.

The defeat against the PSG exposed the deficiencies of Real Madrid, especially in the defensive facet and in the connection between lines, something Alonso recognized with self -criticism after the party. The goals of Fabián Ruiz (double), Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos evidenced the tactical superiority of Luis Enrique, whose team dominated with a high pressure and a collective game that disarmed Madrid from the first minutes. Alonso, who is just at the head of the team a month, saw in Dembélé, candidate for the Golden Ball 2025 with 40 goals this season, and in Doué, a young promise with 14 goals and 12 assists, the perfect pieces to revitalize his project. The speed of Dembélé and the versatility of Doué, capable of unbalanced in one against one and generate spaces, fit with Alonso’s philosophy, which is looking for a compact but explosive team in attack.

Alonso’s interest in these players is no accident. Since his arrival at Real Madrid in June 2025, the eccentrocampist has implemented a style based on possession with purpose, rapid transitions and high pressure, inspired by his successful stage in the Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved a historical double in 2024. However, the Club World Cup revealed that Madrid is still far from reaching that “unstoppable force” that Alonso promised in his presentation. The lack of cohesion in the center of the field and the defensive errors of Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger in the semifinal have led the technician to seek elite reinforcements for the 2025-26 season. Dembélé, with his ability to break defenses, and Doué, an emerging 20 -year -old talent, represent the ideal profile to complement stars such as Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé.

The reaction of Al-Khelaïfi, however, has put a brake on Alonso’s aspirations. The president of the PSG, whose management has transformed the Parisian club into a global power with revenues close to 900 million euros in 2025, is not willing to let their stars out without exorbitant compensation. The figure of 800 million dollars, although probably a maneuver to deter Madrid, reflects the confidence of Al-Khelaïfi in its project, which combines a solid academy with strategic signings such as Khvicha Kvarathskhelia. Alonso’s response, a silence that contrasts with his usual eloquence, suggests that Madrid could be reassessing its strategy in the signing market, especially after criticism for not taking advantage of players like Rodrygo Goes, whose possible exit to the PSG remains a hot topic.

In the Madrid environment, Alonso’s statement has generated mixed reactions. While some see in their ambition a sign of commitment to the reconstruction of the team, others consider that their public interest in PSG players could destabilize the costumes, especially after the humiliating defeat. Florentino Pérez, known for his bold movements in the market, has not yet commented officially, but nearby sources indicate that the club is willing to negotiate only if the PSG reduces its economic demands. The incorporation of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold already meant a significant investment, and Madrid must balance their finances after a disappointing tournament.

With the season of the League just around the corner, Alonso faces the challenge of integrating his current players, such as the young Gonzalo García, while dealing with the expectations of a club accustomed to glory. The defeat against the PSG has served as a “reality coup,” as the confidential described, but also as an opportunity for Alonso to refine his vision. Although the 800 million dollars demanded by Al-Khelaïfi seem unattainable, Alonso’s interest in Dembélé and Doué points out a clear course: a more dynamic, technical and competitive Real Madrid. The question now is whether the Tolosarra coach can turn his admiration into reality or if the silence after the response of Al-Khelaïfi will mark the beginning of a new chapter of frustrations in the Santiago Bernabéu.