Report: Xabi Alonso targets Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton for Real Madrid's midfield revolution

The Spanish giants aim to reshape their squad for the 2025/26 season, with Alonso keen to find a long-term replacement for the legendary Toni Kroos, according to reports from Spanish outlet Defensa Central.

Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in June 2025 after a trophy-laden stint at Bayer Leverkusen, has already overseen a busy transfer window. Real Madrid have secured the signatures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono, strengthening their defensive and attacking options.

However, the midfield remains a priority, with Alonso reportedly viewing Mainoo and Wharton as ideal candidates to add dynamism and control.

"Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton are highly appreciated by our recruitment team," a source close to Real Madrid said, as reported by Defensa Central. "Alonso sees them as players who can grow into world-class talents and fit his vision for the team."

Mainoo, a 20-year-old England international, has been a standout performer for Manchester United, earning praise for his composure and versatility. Despite interest from Real Madrid, Manchester United have made it clear they want to keep their academy graduate.

"Kobbie is fully focused on Manchester United," journalist Fabrizio Romano stated on X, dismissing speculation about an imminent move. The Red Devils, managed by Ruben Amorim, have already strengthened their squad with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon, and are determined to build around Mainoo's potential.

Wharton, also 21, has impressed at Crystal Palace since his move from Blackburn Rovers in 2024. Real Madrid's chief scout, Juni Calafat, has been monitoring the midfielder, with the Daily Mail reporting earlier this year that the club were struck by his ability to dictate play, drawing comparisons to Kroos.

However, club president Florentino Perez remains cautious, with sources indicating that Real Madrid's recruitment team believe neither player has yet proven themselves among Europe's elite. "The club will intensify scouting efforts on both players before making a decision," a club insider revealed.

Despite Alonso's enthusiasm, a move for either midfielder faces challenges. Manchester United have rebuffed interest from Tottenham Hotspur for Mainoo, with GiveMeSport reporting that the club are committed to his development under Amorim.

Similarly, Crystal Palace have set a valuation of around 70 million pounds for Wharton, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich also in the race, according to Metro.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid have been linked with other Premier League stars. Alonso is reportedly keen on Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and Arsenal's William Saliba to bolster the defence, while the club have rejected a loan offer from Newcastle United for goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Meanwhile, forward Rodrygo's future remains uncertain, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur vying for the Brazilian's signature.

As the European transfer window, open until September 1, progresses, Real Madrid's pursuit of Mainoo and Wharton signals Alonso's intent to blend youth and experience in a bid to reclaim La Liga and Champions League glory. However, prising these talents from their Premier League clubs will be no easy feat.