Mbappe replacement causes new Real Madrid crisis for Alonso

Robin Bairner

2 Jan 2026 11:42 GMT
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Xabi Alonso’s rocky start at Real Madrid is set to continue, with the head coach leaving the board of the Bernabeu unimpressed by his demand that the club sign a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

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Mbappe has suffered a knee ligament injury that threatens to keep him sidelined for the next five games, leaving Los Blancos short for cover at the top of the pitch as Endrick has left for Lyon on loan while Brahim Diaz is away at AFCON.

According to Marca, Alonso wants the club to splash out on a replacement for the France international, who has scored 29 goals in 24 matches.

Current ETV

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€88.9M - €108.6M

This is set to cause a fresh dispute at the Bernabeu. AS claims that the board are puzzled why Alonso has not looked to internal solutions, such as Cesar Palacios, the top scorer with Real Madrid Castilla. The 21-year-old has not even been involved in first-team training sessions, which is a stance that the hierarchy does not understand.

The board, meanwhile, are adamant that they will not make a first January signing since Brahim Diaz arrived from Manchester City in 2019 for €17 million.

© IMAGO - Kylian Mbappe faces a few weeks out with a knee injury

What are Alonso’s options without Mbappe?

Real Madrid’s striker shortage is posing a major headache to Alonso, who already finds himself under pressure due to battles behind the scenes with senior players as well as mediocre results.

Rodrygo could well be moved forward to take the striker role, allowing Franco Mastantuono to operate between the lines. He could also play in conjunction with Vinicius Junior in a 4-4-2 system, although there are concerns over Vini’s scoring form after going 14 games without a goal.

While Gonzalo Garcia impressed at the Club World Cup as a pure No.9, Alonso is reportedly reticent to lean on the youngster too heavily, something that aligns with his stance over bringing Palacios up from the Castilla ranks.