Xabi Alonso is under no illusion over the task ahead following Real Madrid's brutal FIFA Club World Cup exit at the hands of PSG.
Los Blancos powered their way to the competition semifinals, before being blown away by the UEFA Champions League holders, as Luis Enrique's side racked up a 4-0 win.
The Parisians were dominant from start to finish at the MetLife Stadium, with two goals inside the opening ten minutes, and they were better in every department than Alonso's stunned side.
As the dust settles and Alonso's players jet off on their summer break, the new boss has a host of decisions to make, to get his squad up to speed before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
A limited turnaround window makes the task even more difficult for Alonso - amid Real Madrid's attempts to have their La Liga season start pushed back by a week - but the former midfielder knows tough calls are needed.
Club captain Luka Modric is on course to join AC Milan, after signing off on 13 incredible years in Madrid, with veteran defender Lucas Vazquez also moving on as a free agent.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have made solid starts following their arrivals earlier this summer and Alonso is working on a deal for Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.
As part of a squad refit, Alonso will have to sell players, with reports from Spanish transfer outlet Fichajes.net indicating three players have already been added to his exit list.
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Alonso addressed questions over why Rodrygo Goes was left on the bench in the PSG hammering and he insisted no transfer decision been made on the Brazilian.
Rodrygo's stock has fallen since the start of 2025, after previously being a vital player under Carlo Ancelotti, and Alonso could cash in if he feels the former Santos star does not fit into his tactical plan.
Arsenal are open to an offer for the 24-year-old but Alonso could demand in the region of £70m to fund his own transfer spending.
A deal to offload Rodrygo could drag on, but Alonso is also ready to sell squad pair Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz, with a decision already made on their futures.
Alonso is not confident the trio have a place in his set up, with a move to another La Liga side the most likely option for the pair, despite Arsenal previously chasing Diaz.
Real Madrid news and related links
- Real Madrid makes Rodrygo transfer call, direct meeting fixed
- Xabi Alonso outlines plans for Real Madrid revival after 'painful' PSG defeat
- Thibaut Courtois gives brutal assessment following Club World Cup exit