According to a fresh report from Fichajes, Real Madrid may be planning a surprise move in the upcoming transfer window, with Osasuna striker Ante Budimir emerging as a serious candidate to reinforce their frontline.
Though the Croatian forward’s name might not resonate like that of a global superstar, the interest signals a clear tactical direction under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, one focused on balance, efficiency, and squad harmony.
Even though Alonso’s appointment has yet to be made official, the former midfielder is already shaping Madrid’s summer blueprint. One of his earliest and most notable requests to the club’s sporting leadership is the addition of a traditional number nine.
With no pure number nine in the squad, the need for a dependable striker who can provide goals, physical presence, and tactical flexibility has become evident. Budimir, who has just completed a career-best season with 24 goals for Osasuna, fits that mould perfectly.
At 33, Budimir brings experience and positional discipline, two qualities Madrid’s bench could use. While players like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe offer explosiveness and creativity, none of them replicate the profile of a classic poacher or target man.
Budimir’s strength in the box, aerial ability, and willingness to play a supporting role without disrupting the dressing room dynamic make him a cost-effective and strategically valuable asset.
Budimir would not be brought in to lead the line every week, but rather to offer a plan B, someone who can come off the bench, change the shape of a match, or cover in rotations without sacrificing quality, something that Joselu did.
In essence, this move suggests that Alonso values structure as much as star power. Budimir’s potential arrival would underline a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance flair with function.
It is not just about collecting stars, but about building a team that can win in more ways than one, and in Budimir, Madrid may have found a smart, affordable solution to an important tactical need.