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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed it — Víctor Muñoz leaves Real Madrid for CA Osasuna. The 21-year-old striker, who recently debuted for the first team, is officially out of La Fábrica, but not entirely out of Real Madrid’s plans.

A Quiet Exit, but a Strategic One

While Madrid fans were busy analyzing the aftermath of the Club World Cup, Fabrizio Romano dropped the unexpected news: Osasuna have signed Víctor Muñoz from Real Madrid for €6 million, acquiring 50% of his rights. That means Real Madrid keeps a foot in the door, holding the other 50% in case they want to buy him back or profit from a future sale.

🗣 “Here we go!” — Romano’s signature tweet confirmed the deal, which had not been rumored until now.

Xabi Alonso Gives the Green Light

Xabi Alonso is being decisive in reshaping Madrid’s squad. After the Club World Cup collapse and with preseason around the corner, the new manager made it clear to Florentino Pérez:

“I prefer to work with fewer players and trust youth team talents only when there’s room for growth.”

With the attack already overloaded, Muñoz would have been relegated to the bench, something Alonso didn’t want to see happen. Instead of blocking his progress, he approved the move to Osasuna — a club that guarantees top-flight minutes and development.

From Castilla to Clásico: Muñoz’s Rise

Víctor Muñoz has had a breakout season at Real Madrid Castilla under Raúl González:

34 matches 11 goals 7 assists Played across all forward positions

This earned him a dream debut in a Clásico vs Barcelona, followed by three more first-team appearances and even minutes at the FIFA Club World Cup.

His versatility, goal-scoring instinct, and pressing work rate made him one of the most promising academy products in recent years. And now, Osasuna will benefit from that talent.

Why Osasuna?

Osasuna isn’t just a mid-table LaLiga team anymore — they’re a proven development ground for rising Spanish talent. Under Jagoba Arrasate, the club has helped players like Aimar Oroz and Ante Budimir grow into key LaLiga figures.

At Osasuna, Muñoz will get regular game time, the coaching staff already has a plan for him, and he’ll face top competition every weekend. It’s the ideal setup for a striker looking to take the next step.

Real Madrid’s Smart Business

By keeping 50% of Muñoz’s rights, Madrid is playing the long game:

If he explodes at Osasuna → Madrid can bring him back. If he’s sold later for €30M → Madrid gets €15M.

With Xabi Alonso pushing for leaner squad depth and fewer benchwarmers, this model benefits both the player and the club.

In Summary:

Víctor Muñoz joins Osasuna permanently for €6M Real Madrid retains 50% of future rights Xabi Alonso approved the move to avoid blocking development Osasuna guarantees minutes and growth for one of La Fábrica’s best talents

Muñoz may have left Madrid, but this isn’t goodbye forever. For now, he’s ready to light up LaLiga in Pamplona — and Madrid will be watching closely.

“It’s the first day Xabi Alonso felt the true weight of managing Real Madrid.”

That was the damning verdict from Spanish journalist Manu Carreño, host of El Larguero, after Real Madrid’s shocking 4–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. In the aftermath of a performance that left fans stunned and pundits questioning tactical decisions, Carreño didn’t hold back in analyzing where things went wrong — starting with the man on the sidelines.

“The First Day Xabi Felt the Locker Room’s Weight”

Real Madrid’s exit was more than just a poor result. For Carreño, it was a defining moment in Xabi Alonso’s early tenure as head coach.

“I think today is the first day Xabi Alonso could feel what Real Madrid’s locker room is like when it comes to deciding the line-up,” Carreño said.

His main criticism: the decision to field all three attacking stars — Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Gonzalo — in one starting XI, a move he believes disrupted the entire structure of the team.

“I don’t know if the idea of starting the three up front today is truly the footballing idea Xabi Alonso believes in,” Carreño added.

Tactical Missteps: Vinícius on the Right, Gonzalo Out of Position

One of the most debated aspects of the match was Alonso’s tactical reshuffle. Due to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injuries, the lineup was already under pressure. But it was Alonso’s decision to shift Vinícius Jr. to the right flank and play Gonzalo out of position that drew the most criticism.

“Vinícius is already struggling on the left. On the right, it’s as if he didn’t exist,” Carreño emphasized.

He continued by pointing out how this change not only weakened Vinícius but also nullified Gonzalo’s momentum — a player who had been one of Madrid’s standout performers during the tournament.

Locker Room Politics or Pure Strategy?

Carreño went deeper, suggesting that Alonso’s selection may have been influenced not just by tactics, but by locker room dynamics.

“Do I bench Mbappé? Do I bench Vinícius? Or do I bench Gonzalo, who’s been outstanding? If you bench him after scoring four goals, what message are you sending to the rest?”

This is the reality of managing Real Madrid — a club where egos, expectations, and media scrutiny are relentless.

Defensive Errors and the Bigger Picture

Beyond the lineup, defensive errors added to Madrid’s misery. Carreño pointed to two major mistakes — one from Asensio and another involving Rüdiger — but defended the latter:

“Rüdiger was hit on his supporting foot. Anyone can make a mistake.”

The bigger concern? That these cracks exposed how far Madrid still is from dominating Europe again.

What Comes Next: Transfers and Restructuring

The team is expected to return to Madrid shortly, and with them comes a wave of decisions. Xabi Alonso is already planning changes — not just in tactics but also in personnel.

“This World Cup is the beginning of Xabi Alonso,” Carreño concluded. “Although he’ll want to draw a line between this and what’s to come.”

Madrid’s summer window is wide open. Players like Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy could be moved, while the midfield and defense may see new faces. For Alonso, this defeat could become the turning point — the loss that forced the clarity he now claims to have.

“Now I know certain things for sure.”

Those were the firm words of Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso after his team suffered a crushing 4–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal in New Jersey. Rather than dodge questions or soften the blow, Alonso faced the media directly — and made it clear: changes are coming.

Outplayed and Outclassed

From the opening whistle, PSG dominated. A quick goal set the tone, and Real Madrid never recovered. Speaking post-match, Alonso didn’t sugarcoat the performance:

“The start of the match made a big difference. PSG is at a great level. We’ve only just started. We need to work calmly.”

Though the match was only part of a tournament, its implications were broader. For Alonso, this wasn’t just a loss — it was a lesson.

“What happened today is good for us to know what we still need to improve. We’re in a competitive context with hardly any training. Now it’s time to stop, but we’ll be back in four weeks.”

A Line Drawn: “This Championship Told Me Many Things”

More than just a tactical wake-up call, Alonso described the result as the end of a stage — and the beginning of something new.

“I’m leaving with certainties. This championship has told me a lot. About what we are, about what we need to improve. In August we start the 2025–26 season. It’ll be different.”

His words made it clear: the current setup isn’t enough. Expect transfer activity. Expect a different squad dynamic.

Farewell to Two Club Legends

In the midst of the disappointment, Alonso took a moment to recognize the contributions of two players playing their final matches for the club — Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez.

“It’s not the best farewell, but I’ve tried to make sure they enjoy their last days at the club. I want to thank them for what they’ve been for Madrid.”

Modric is set to join AC Milan after nearly a decade of magic in white, while Vázquez’s next move is still unknown.

Transfers Incoming: “There’s Room to Improve”

Without naming names, Alonso hinted strongly at summer reinforcements.

“We haven’t talked during the World Cup about the squad’s composition, but we’re always thinking about improving. There’s room.”

The midfield, full-back depth, and attack — especially with uncertainty around Rodrygo — are all likely areas of focus. Real Madrid is expected to be aggressive in the market.

Self-Criticism and Tactical Errors

To his credit, Alonso took personal responsibility for part of the loss.

“Without a doubt, I made a mistake by putting in so many strikers. It’s the first defeat, but it won’t be the last. We need to accept it.”

Real Madrid has enjoyed a season of silverware under Alonso’s first year, but the defeat was a reminder: there’s still a gap between where they are and where they want to be.

Looking Ahead

As fans process the painful loss to PSG, Alonso’s direct words offer both clarity and hope. The message is simple: Madrid won’t stand still.

“We need to be self-critical, but not let this ending drag us down. It’s time to reset and start again.”

The 2025–26 season is just around the corner — and if Alonso has his way, it’ll be the start of something much bigger.

In a dramatic and emotional FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final, the football world witnessed a devastating moment that could alter the trajectory of Jamal Musiala’s season—and potentially his career. The Bayern Munich midfielder suffered a serious injury following a violent collision with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the fallout has been immediate and intense.

A Fractured Fibula and a Stadium Stunned

The incident occurred late in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Musiala, just 22 and a linchpin in Bayern’s midfield, was chasing a loose ball in the PSG box when Donnarumma charged out aggressively to intercept. What followed was a horrific collision that twisted Musiala’s left ankle at an unnatural angle.

Medical teams rushed onto the field as players and fans looked on in horror. Musiala was stretchered off, and early reports confirm a fractured fibula—an injury that could sideline him for up to five months.

Xabi Alonso Leads the Outcry

Among the first and fiercest critics was Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who did not mince words in his post-match comments:

“A professional player would never make an intervention like that. It was reckless and dangerous. Musiala is a young talent who lives for football, and it is unacceptable to see him suffer such a terrible injury. FIFA must take this seriously and issue a sanction that reflects the severity of the incident.”

Alonso, who has a deep connection to both Bayern and PSG, added emotional weight to the growing backlash. Bayern’s Manuel Neuer and sporting director Max Eberl echoed the sentiment, criticizing Donnarumma and demanding accountability.

No VAR, No Penalty—Only Outrage

Controversy deepened as fans and pundits learned that referee Anthony Taylor did not award a penalty or even consult VAR. Donnarumma walked away without a card. Bayern players and supporters were furious, questioning how such a clear injury-causing collision could escape punishment.

“How come Taylor didn’t even review this with VAR?” asked one fan online. “This clearly endangered a player’s safety.”

Donnarumma Responds, but Tensions Remain High

The PSG goalkeeper expressed remorse after the match, posting:

“I want to pray and wish you the best, Jamal Musiala.”

His teammates, including Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi, also extended their support. Yet these gestures did little to cool the fury. Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany admitted to being “dumbfounded with rage” during halftime and joined the calls for action.

Bayern’s World Cup Dream Ends in Bitterness

The match ended 2-0 in PSG’s favor, with goals from Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Doué, despite finishing with nine men due to two red cards. Without Musiala’s spark, Bayern couldn’t recover. Their Club World Cup exit, combined with the emotional toll of the injury, left the team—and their fans—devastated.

What’s Next: The Pressure on FIFA

As FIFA remains silent, Alonso’s demand for a serious sanction grows louder. The incident has reignited broader debates around:

Player safety Reckless goalkeeping VAR responsibility in dangerous play Ethical misconduct on the pitch

Musiala now faces a long road to recovery. For Bayern and for the game itself, his absence is a painful reminder of how one moment can shift everything.

Whether FIFA responds with real consequences for Donnarumma could set the tone for how similar incidents are handled in future high-stakes competitions.

As the summer transfer window intensifies, Real Madrid continue to target reinforcements for a position that has troubled them for years — left-back. Despite the unexpected rise of Fran García, questions remain over long-term depth and quality in that role, especially with Ferland Mendy falling out of favor in Xabi Alonso’s tactical setup.

One name that has persistently stayed on Real Madrid’s radar is Álvaro Carreras, currently at Benfica. However, negotiations have been far from straightforward.

Carreras Deal: Complex, but Not Dead

Real Madrid had hoped to secure Carreras’ signing before the FIFA Club World Cup, but Benfica proved as tough as ever at the bargaining table. The Portuguese club refused to lower their demands and insisted on full payment of Carreras’ release clause, a stance that led to the talks collapsing earlier in the summer.

With Madrid already committing heavily on other transfers, the idea of meeting Carreras’ full release clause seemed off the table — until now.

Strategic Twist: Rafael Obrador Joins Benfica

According to Fabrizio Romano, Los Blancos have made a strategic breakthrough in the stalled Carreras deal. Castilla left-back Rafael Obrador is set to join SL Benfica for a fee of €5 million, and Madrid will retain a buy-back clause as part of the deal.

Romano described the transfer as directly linked to renewed negotiations for Carreras. With the move confirmed by his trademark “Here we go,” medicals are now scheduled for Obrador, marking the start of what could become a clever two-way deal.

Why Carreras Matters for Madrid

Carreras is considered a high-potential addition who can immediately compete for the left-back spot, potentially offering better balance for Vinícius Júnior, whose own performances have sometimes been compromised by a lack of consistent defensive support.

Though Fran García has shown promise, depth remains a priority. Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy appears to be drifting toward the exit door, viewed as incompatible with Alonso’s fluid system.

Carreras could be the solution — dynamic, composed on the ball, and capable of defending and overlapping with consistency.

The Win-Win Structure

Madrid’s approach to this negotiation shows long-term thinking. By selling Obrador but retaining the ability to bring him back, they minimize risk while gaining leverage in their pursuit of Carreras.

If Obrador flourishes at Benfica, Madrid will retain control over his future. And if Carreras arrives and performs as expected, the club would have two strong long-term options at left-back, one at home and one developing abroad.

Conclusion

This subtle but savvy play by Real Madrid’s board reflects their commitment to building depth, solving positional weaknesses, and maintaining control over their most promising talents. It could be the breakthrough needed to finalize a deal that gives Vinícius Jr. the support he needs and strengthens Xabi Alonso’s backline heading into a demanding season.

The Carreras talks are back on — and this time, Real Madrid may have the upper hand.