La Liga Talk: Can Real Madrid Keep Casillas and Xabi Alonso Happy?

The January transfer window is here and clubs are getting their pay books ready to snatch up any good player on offer. Real Madrid is one such club; however, the uber-rich club is on the wrong side with many players the target of other clubs, including Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Ronaldo, Alvaro Morata, Fabio Coentrao. However, there are two players who are fervently speculated of leaving Real – Casillas and Alonso.

Iker Casillas, the Spanish national goalkeeper is arguably one of the best in business and spent his entire life at Real. However, he has fallen out of favor with Ancelotti. Casillas is yet to play a La Liga match this season even as younger Diego Lopez is preferred. Casillas, on the other hand has publicly stated that he wants to play for a club where he’s the No. 1. With his contract with Real about to expire, Casillas is being wooed by Manchester City. However, Ancelotti categorically denied that Casillas will be leaving Real; instead, he stressed that his contract will be extended. But, does it make sense to have a disgruntled Casillas? With Lopez in full – form, Casillas is no longer needed, having fallen out of favor with President Florentino Perez as well. Most experts suggest that Real must let go off Casillas and focus on acquiring new talent. With Casillas intending to play beyond La Liga, EPL provides the perfect platform for the Spaniard who has played an astonishing 697 matches with Real and 476 in La Liga.

Xabi Alonso, who has long been on the radar of Mourinho has signed a 2 year contract to continue with Real. Alonso, who was one of Mourinho’s favorites was expected to move to Chelsea, but surprised everyone by opting to stay at Real. But does this change the equation? Alonso opted to stay back at Los Blancos even though Chelsea and City were ready to pay him more; clubs where he would be treated with greater respect for his talent. Alonso wishes to play in EPL or La Liga, eliminating PSG or Juventus, who have chased him. Moreover, he has always loved Liverpool where he was at his zenith during his career. Real will continue to retain him for strategic purposes as Ancelotti knows the criticality of having Alonso in his team than in the opposition. With the arrival of younger players like Bale, Alonso is increasing getting sidelined even as Ancelotti seeks to develop the young talent into future powerhouses.

Casillas and Alonso are on the opposite sides of the coin – Alonso wanting to stay back and Casillas wanting to move out. It is apparent that Real can’t satisfy either of the biggies of their aspirations and is high-time let go of them.