Gundogan, Borja Valero, Sahin, Schweinsteiger?

Mr Nick09 wrote:so because Xabi is leaving, we must find the next xabi alonso, exactly the same kind of player?

no, xabi is our midfield general, gone to "shit" btw, so we can use modric in that duty, something he did for years in england btw, his best role, providing he is backed with proper defensive cover.

oh no, we must sign another star, quid of modric then?

Yohan Modric wrote:If Mourinho does leave our system can always change. There's no need to get anyone since we already have Modric.

Cyborg wrote:

Yohan Modric wrote:If Mourinho does leave our system can always change. There's no need to get anyone since we already have Modric.

changing a team's system isnt as simple as you write it.

and madrid would just have khedira and modric is xabi leaves.

so..

The main priority for Real Madrid regarding new blood for next season isn't an almighty number 9, a Kun Agüero. Nor is it Gareth Bale. The club has for some time now been in search of the best midfielder in the world under 24 years of age.

The powers that be in the Bernabéu feel that it is of vital strategic importance to find a safe-bet replacement for Xabi Alonso two or three years down the road. Until then, both the player and the club are happy to renew.

A couple of months ago, José Ángel Sánchez, managing director of the club, sat down with Alonso to talk about the player's future. The club considers him so indispensable that he is the only player whose salary has been increased by the club's own initiative. (he earns €5.5 million, net).

In the meeting, the player thanked Sánchez for the proposed two-month extension, but said that, as he was still under contract until the end of the season, he preferred to wait and find out who the Real Madrid manager would be next year, and if his role would continue to be as important. Truth be told, he was worried that it would be Rafa Benitez giving out the orders from the Bernabéu dugout.

"Don't you worry, even if Mourinho does go, Benitez won't be the new manager", he was assured. The player and manager parted ways rather bitterly back in Liverpool.

Florentino Pérez, who could only see Alonso as relatively important when he was originally signed, after seeing the players abilities on the pitch, has had to accept the all-importance of the midfielder. Only last Thursday, in a charity event, the president defined him as an "emblematic player".

All well and good, but the truth is that Xabi will finish his contract in June 2014 at the age of 32. The club is well aware that it is as important to renew his contract as it is to start making moves now to finding a replacement for such a key player.

Xabi Alonso will finish his contract in June 2014 at the age of 32. The club is well aware that it is as important to renew his contract as it is to start making moves now to finding a replacement for such a key player.

Ilkay Gündogan. 22 years · Borussia Dortmund · Germany international

At the age of 22, Gündogan is one of the most promising midfielders around. He is a dynamic player who can hit a pin-point long ball, works hard to win the ball back and likes to join the attack.

Rubén Pardo. 20 years old · Real Sociedad · Spain under-21 international

Pardo lacks physical presence, but his ability on the ball (a long-pass specialist) certainly makes up for it.

Geoffrey Kongdobia. 20 years old · Sevilla · France under-20 international

Kongdobia is the antithesis to Rubén Pardo. A strong 'box-to-box' centre-midfielder who also has an outstanding technique. He's strong in the air and specialises in ball-winning tackles.

Marco Verratti. 20 years old · PSG · Italy international

Verratti's quality on the ball resembles that of Andrea Pirlo. He made his debut at the age of 16 for Pescara, who sold the player for €12 million to PSG. Verratti has tremendous ability to accurately distribute short and long passes.

Javi García. 26 years· Manchester City· Spain international

García is the most defensive-minded player on Real Madrid's short-list. His versatility (he can also play at centre-back) is another strong point. He's strong in the air, but Manchester City, who paid €20 million for his services in the summer, might not be so willing to let him go.

Fernando. 21 years old · Gremio · Brazil international

A defensive specialist who can take the ball out of defence. He frequently wins the ball back and rarely commits a foul. A specialist at man-marking for free-kicks.

Yohan Modric wrote:If we are to buy a replacement for Alonso, I think we should get a DM type player like Kondogbia/Javi Garcia/Fernando, instead of playmakers like Gundogan, Verratti etc. That way Modric can play alongside the DM type player.