In what could be one of the boldest tactical moves ahead of the upcoming season, new Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is reported to have submitted a formal request to the board, calling for the urgent signing of a pure number 9 striker — a final piece to complete his attacking trident featuring Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. on the flanks.

A Tactical Evolution at the Bernabéu

Sources close to the Santiago Bernabéu have confirmed that Alonso’s detailed presentation focused on rebalancing the attack: freeing both Vinicius and Mbappé from the burden of central positioning to allow them to exploit their speed and creativity from wide areas — their natural roles. To do this, Alonso insists the team needs a central target man capable of finishing inside the box, holding up play, and drawing defenders to open space for the two wingers.

“We’ve got the best weapons on the wings,” Alonso reportedly told club executives. “Now we need the right focal point between them — a striker who thrives in the penalty area, who lives to score goals.”

The Striker in Question?

While no official name has been confirmed, whispers from within Valdebebas training grounds suggest that Dusan Vlahović, Victor Osimhen, and even a sensational Harry Kane approach are being discussed behind closed doors. Alonso is said to prefer a physically dominant, tactically disciplined No. 9, someone who can finish with either foot, play with his back to goal, and allow Vinicius and Mbappé to stay high and wide — wreaking havoc in one-on-one situations.

“This isn’t just a transfer — it’s a system-defining move,” a club source said. “Xabi wants to build a machine. And to complete that machine, he needs a striker who can be the spearhead.”

Florentino Pérez Reportedly “Open to the Idea”

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, always a man drawn to big names and big visions, is said to be supportive of Alonso’s early ambition and impressed by his analytical breakdown. Given the success of the Mbappé signing and the return of Champions League dominance, the board is now considering a final splash to reinforce Madrid’s next golden era.

If the move goes through, Real Madrid could be fielding an attack of Vinicius Jr, Mbappé, and a world-class No. 9 — a trident that may go down in history as one of the most fearsome ever assembled.