Real Madrid are at the center of a whirlwind of speculation following their resounding 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the 2025 Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has sparked fresh controversy by expressing his admiration for two PSG players, whose identities have not been confirmed but who, according to sources close to the club, could be Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué. In a leaked conversation, Alonso stated: “I was impressed by their technique and speed, I will bring them in at any price.” However, the Tolosa-born coach’s ambition hit a monumental stumbling block when PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi responded by demanding an astronomical fee of $800 million for both players, leaving Alonso conspicuously silent.

The defeat to PSG exposed Real Madrid’s shortcomings, especially in their defensive positions and their connection between the lines, something Alonso acknowledged with self-criticism after the match. Goals from Fabián Ruiz (twice), Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos demonstrated Luis Enrique’s tactical superiority, whose team dominated with high pressing and a collective approach that undid Madrid from the opening minutes. Alonso, who has only been in charge for a month, saw Dembélé, a 2025 Ballon d’Or candidate with 40 goals this season, and Doué, a promising youngster with 14 goals and 12 assists, as the perfect pieces to revitalize his project. Dembélé’s speed and Doué’s versatility, capable of creating one-on-one situations and creating space, fit with Alonso’s philosophy, which seeks a compact yet explosive team in attack.

Alonso’s interest in these players is no coincidence. Since arriving at Real Madrid in June 2025, the former midfielder has implemented a style based on purposeful possession, quick transitions, and high pressing, inspired by his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved a historic double in 2024. However, the Club World Cup revealed that Madrid is still far from achieving the “unstoppable force” Alonso promised at his unveiling. A lack of cohesion in midfield and defensive errors by Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger in the semifinal have led the coach to seek elite reinforcements for the 2025-26 season. Dembélé, with his ability to break down defenses, and Doué, an emerging 20-year-old talent, represent the ideal profile to complement stars like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé.

Al-Khelaïfi’s reaction, however, has put a damper on Alonso’s aspirations. The PSG president, whose management has transformed the Parisian club into a global powerhouse with revenues approaching €900 million by 2025, is unwilling to let his stars leave without exorbitant compensation. The $800 million figure, while likely a maneuver to dissuade Madrid, reflects Al-Khelaïfi’s confidence in his project, which combines a solid academy with strategic signings like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Alonso’s response, a silence that contrasts with his usual eloquence, suggests that Madrid may be reevaluating its transfer market strategy, especially following criticism for not making the most of players like Rodrygo Goes, whose possible exit to PSG remains a hot topic.

Within Real Madrid, Alonso’s statement has generated mixed reactions. While some see his ambition as a sign of commitment to rebuilding the team, others believe his public interest in PSG players could destabilize the dressing room, especially after the humiliating defeat. Florentino Pérez, known for his bold transfer moves, has yet to officially comment, but sources close to the club indicate that the club is willing to negotiate only if PSG lowers its financial demands. The signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold already represented a significant investment, and Madrid must balance its finances after a disappointing tournament.

With the La Liga season just around the corner, Alonso faces the challenge of integrating his current players, such as youngster Gonzalo García, while also dealing with the expectations of a club accustomed to glory. The defeat to PSG served as a “reality check,” as El Confidencial described it, but also as an opportunity for Alonso to refine his vision. While the $800 million demanded by Al-Khelaïfi seems unattainable, Alonso’s interest in Dembélé and Doué points to a clear path: a more dynamic, technical, and competitive Real Madrid. The question now is whether the Tolosa-born coach can turn his admiration into reality or if the silence following Al-Khelaïfi’s response will mark the beginning of a new chapter of frustration at the Santiago Bernabéu.