Real Madrid is starting a new era. With Xabi Alonso in charge, the white team is looking to rebuild its identity after an inconsistent season. Amid the changes, the first major decision from the new coach has already arrived.
The change on the bench hasn't been merely symbolic. The arrival of the Basque coach means a renewed, more tactical and ambitious approach. As proof of this, a move has already taken place that will generate a lot of discussion.
Xabi Alonso starts strong: first KO in the white squad
Real Madrid had a buy-back option on Miguel Gutiérrez. However, Xabi Alonso isn't counting on him and has decided to leave him out of his plans. Thus, the door opens to a deal that will benefit the club financially.
Napoli has put a 30 million offer on the table for the full-back. Gutiérrez, a key player at Girona, has proven he's ready to compete at the highest European level. The Italian club wants him and is willing to pay well.
Girona, although reluctant to lose him, isn't ruling out accepting. With that amount, the transfer seems inevitable. Real Madrid, despite not counting on the player, will come out ahead.
Miguel Gutiérrez, an asset that keeps growing
The homegrown white player has been growing away from Santiago Bernabéu. His time at Girona has been key for his development. Under Míchel's orders, he has excelled as one of the best full-backs in LaLiga.
Gutiérrez was sold for 4 million to Girona. But Florentino Pérez secured 50% of his rights. Now, with this offer, Madrid will receive 15 million without having to make a move.
There won't be a buy-back, there won't be a return. Xabi Alonso has been clear: his project doesn't involve reviving old names. He prefers to bet on a new player profile.
The summer transfer window, busier than ever
Xabi Alonso, newly arrived, doesn't want to waste time. The demands of the white bench require quick and effective decisions. This is just the first of many.
Real Madrid needs liquidity to face important signings. This sale comes at a key moment. With that money, other more urgent areas can be strengthened.
Meanwhile, Miguel Gutiérrez will take another step in his career. He will become part of a historic European football club like Napoli. A logical move after his performance.
Madrid's future takes shape under Xabi Alonso's leadership
The Madridist fanbase trusts the new project. After Ancelotti's departure, there was uncertainty, but Alonso has caused excitement. His experience at Bayer Leverkusen was the best guarantee.
Now, from the Bernabéu bench, he must make decisions that define the club's future. The first has already been made, and it has been firm. There is no turning back for Miguel Gutiérrez.
Florentino Pérez has found in Xabi Alonso a coach with character. Someone capable of making important changes without fear. That is exactly the profile Real Madrid needed.
Summer has just begun, but it's already clear it won't be calm. Offers are coming in, decisions are being made, and Real Madrid is moving forward. All with a new leader on the bench.