Xabi Alonso requests information on Real Madrid academy players as he prepares to take over | OneFootball

Incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is wasting no time in laying the groundwork for his new project, with a clear and exciting focus on La Fabrica, the club’s revered youth academy.

According to journalist Jose Luis Sanchez in El Chiringuito TV, Alonso has requested detailed reports on several academy prospects, not just for next season, but also with a view to the upcoming Club World Cup.

This marks a notable shift from the current regime under Carlo Ancelotti. While the Italian has been highly successful and loyal to his core group, there has long been a sense that youth players have been underused, regardless of their promise or performances at the Castilla level.

In contrast, Alonso appears determined to reignite the bridge between the youth setup and the first team, something that aligns perfectly with Real Madrid’s long-term strategy of developing internal talent to supplement marquee signings.

A fews names have already appeared

One of the early beneficiaries of this shift is set to be Jesus Fortea, a highly-rated young defender.

Xabi Alonso will give youngsters a fair chance. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Alonso is reportedly a fan of the 18-year-old’s technical and tactical abilities and has already expressed a desire to meet Fortea personally, outlining his role in the future Real Madrid setup.

Fortea is expected to join the senior squad during pre-season training, where Alonso will monitor him in a more competitive environment.

If he impresses, he could earn a role in the first-team rotation, especially with the Club World Cup requiring a deeper, more adaptable squad.

The emphasis on youth is further reinforced by the recent rise of Jacobo Ramon, who announced himself in unforgettable fashion by scoring a last-minute winner against Mallorca on his La Liga debut.

His performance, both defensively and in possession, earned praise across the board and served as a reminder of the quality waiting in the wings at Valdebebas.

Alonso, a former midfielder who knows La Fábrica inside out from his time managing Real Sociedad B and previously coaching in Madrid’s youth system, is considered someone who values player development just as much as results.