Exequiel Palacios is once again strongly linked with Real Madrid. The Argentine midfielder, World Cup champion in Qatar 2022 and a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly part of the plans of the future manager of the Madrid side, Xabi Alonso, who is looking to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup.

The Spanish giants are already working on building their team for the 2025 season, and Alonso, who will replace Carlo Ancelotti following a previously agreed departure, has reportedly made a special request to bring in the former River Plate player. Palacios was one of the key players in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign, and the Spanish coach believes his tactical awareness and vision of the game fit perfectly with his footballing philosophy.

The story between Exequiel Palacios and Real Madrid isn’t new. Back in 2019, the club was close to signing him, but an injury halted the deal at the last moment. Now, with Alonso leading the sporting project, the possibility of seeing the “Tucu” in white is gaining momentum again.

According to Spanish media, River Plate could benefit financially from a potential transfer, as they still hold a 10% sell-on clause. The Argentine club sold Palacios to the German side for over 17 million euros, and a move to Madrid would bring in a significant amount of money for the Buenos Aires club.

In the planning of this new project, Florentino Pérez has made it a priority to rejuvenate the midfield. With players like Luka Modric nearing retirement, signings like Palacios are seen as necessary to maintain competitiveness in both LaLiga and on the international stage.

Alongside the interest in the Argentine, other names are being linked with Real Madrid. English right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold could arrive as a free agent, and the club recently secured the signing of young defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

Also on the list of targets are midfielders Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) and Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), who have impressed in their respective leagues. The goal is clear: to build a strong squad that blends young talent with experience and enables Real Madrid to compete for all trophies, including the revamped Club World Cup to be held in the United States.

Alonso’s project brings excitement, and Palacios could be a key piece in Real Madrid’s new puzzle.