Xabi Alonso eyes ‘SURPRISE’ January signing at Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

Updated: 22 Nov 2025 15:53 GMT
3 min read

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid are the latest club to target a January transfer for Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi.

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Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked with a move for the Germany international attacker, who is unsettled with the Bundesliga giants due to a strained relationship with head coach Niko Kovac.

Adeyemi had a public spat with the coach during a clash against Koln, throwing a water bottle when he was replaced.

Current ETV

Karim Adeyemi

F (CR), M (R)

Dortmund

Karim Adeyemi

F (CR), M (R)

Dortmund

ETV Range

€38.9M - €47.6M

Struggling for form at present and out of contract in 2027, his future is up in the air. His contract talks with Dortmund have stalled, with the forward demanding a release clause in a long-term deal, something the club are reticent to give him.

Real Madrid are now trying to take advantage of the situation by making a “surprise” move for the 23-year-old, according to Fichajes.

Unconvinced by the performances of Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz, Alonso has told president Florentino Perez he wants a signing for the right wing and has picked out Adeyemi as the man he wants.

Jorge Mendes, the player’s agent, has offered the player to the Real Madrid boss, who knows his qualities after his time in Germany.

A three-way transfer battle with Man Utd and Arsenal is, therefore, brewing.

Adeyemi has had a €80 million price put on his head, though his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is just €43.2m.

Why Real Madrid see Adeyemi as ‘ideal’ signing

Adeyemi is seen as a perfect alternative to Franco Mastantuono on the right side of the Real Madrid side.

The German is a player who can provide dynamism, competitiveness and tactical flexibility.

Furthermore, if he signs, it will allow Real Madrid to sell some of their unsettled players. Rodrygo and Brahim could both be on their way to free up salary space while Los Blancos would gain attacking versatility.

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