

Rodrigo Mendoza, a central midfielder, has been mentioned by Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso as a potential addition to the team's midfield plans going forward. One of Spain's most impressive players at the U-20 World Cup has been the 20-year-old Elche midfielder, who has established a solid midfield partnership with Thiago Pitarch, a current academy potential. According to ESPN, last winter, Madrid had contacts in place to recruit Mendoza for Castilla.
Alonso has taken notice of Mendoza's poise, tactical acumen, and maturity, which are in line with Madrid's current hiring strategy of snagging young, high-upside Spanish talent. He has a €20 million release clause in his contract with Elche, which expires in 2028. Should Madrid decide to move, he would be a target. Club sources at Valdebebas view Mendoza as a natural fit for Alonso’s system, capable of playing in a possession-based, press-resistant midfield.