Home2025June4Xabi Alonso made it clear that two players are being let go this summer because their playing style doesn’t match his demanding approach. He criticized Carlo Ancelotti for making the team soft and said these players complained to the club that Alonso’s style was too intense. Alonso emphasized that he expects players to be fighters, not pampered stars, and those unwilling to work hard won’t stay on his team.

Alonso has made hard decisions since taking over at Real Madrid, such as concluding that Reinier Jesús, who was previously a highly anticipated signing, no longer matches his goals. Reinier has had trouble performing regularly at Madrid and while on loan at other clubs, despite the excitement. Reinier lacks the quick-paced, high-pressure approach and team-first mindset that are key components of Alonso’s vision. Real Madrid is therefore looking to sell him, perhaps for a lot less than his original asking price, and teams from Brazil, Portugal, and La Liga are interested.