Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso 'eyes shock deal' for 71-goal centre-forward

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly identified Osasuna's Ante Budimir as a centre-forward option for the club during this summer's transfer window.

Kylian Mbappe played through the middle for Los Blancos in his first season with the club, and the France international came up with 43 goals in 56 appearances.

The 26-year-old had an excellent season from a personal point of view, but Real Madrid fell short in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, and there have already been changes at Bernabeu this summer.

Indeed, deals for defenders Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been confirmed, and it is understood that Real Madrid could make as many as three more signings before the end of the transfer window.

According to Fichajes, Alonso wants a centre-forward to arrive this summer, with the new Real Madrid boss determined to boost his options in the final third of the field.

Real Madrid 'eyeing move' for Osasuna's Budimir

The report claims that Budimir has emerged as an interesting option for Real Madrid, with his goalscoring record over the last two seasons catching the attention of the capital giants.

The Croatia international scored 18 times for Osasuna during the 2023-24 campaign, including 17 in La Liga, before managing 24 goals in all competitions during the 2024-25 season.

Budimir netted 21 times in 38 La Liga appearances during the recent season, with only Mbappe and Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski registering on more occasions in Spain's top flight.

The 33-year-old has a record of 71 goals and nine assists in 179 matches for Osasuna in all competitions, including 65 goals in La Liga, while his overall La Liga record, also including his time at Mallorca, is 78 goals in 195 matches.

Would Budimir be a good signing for Real Madrid?

It is not at all difficult to understand why Real Madrid would be interested in Budimir, as he would provide Los Blancos with a completely different option in the final third of the field.

Mbappe was excellent during his first season at the club, but the chance to move him into a wide area in certain matches and bring in a central striker could prove to be crucial.

There is not space at Bernabeu for a big-name striker at this particular moment, but a player of Budimir's experience and goalscoring pedigree could help Real Madrid in their pursuit of glory during the 2025-26 campaign.

Written by
Matt Law