The Next Big Transfer Move After Olise’s Setback
Real Madrid Turns Attention to Piotr Zieliński After Olise Fails to Materialize
Real Madrid, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, is reportedly shifting its transfer focus to Napoli’s 28-year-old Polish international, Piotr Zieliński. This move comes after Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, a long-term target, appears set to remain in the Premier League. Club sources suggest Alonso is a long-time admirer of Zieliński’s versatility and tactical intelligence in midfield.
Analyzing Piotr Zieliński’s Strengths and Fit in Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid
Zieliński has been a consistent performer for Napoli in Serie A, known for his excellent passing range, dribbling ability, and work rate. According to league data, he averaged 87% pass accuracy in the 2025 season, demonstrating his ability to dictate play. He also contributed significantly to Napoli’s attacking output with 7 goals and 9 assists. His versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, including as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and even on the left wing, making him a valuable asset for any team. His defensive contribution is also noteworthy, averaging 1.5 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game.
Alonso’s Real Madrid utilizes a dynamic midfield, requiring players who can both create chances and contribute defensively. Zieliński’s skill set aligns perfectly with this requirement. His ability to break lines with passes and dribbles would add another dimension to Real Madrid’s attack. Furthermore, his work rate and tactical awareness would provide crucial support to the defense.
Zieliński’s Serie A Performance Statistics
To further illustrate Zieliński’s capabilities, let’s examine some key statistics from his recent Serie A campaigns:
- Pass Accuracy: 87%
- Key Passes per Game: 2.1
- Dribbles per Game: 1.4
- Goals: 7 (2025 Season)
- Assists: 9 (2025 Season)
These numbers highlight his consistent performance and contribution to Napoli’s success. He is a player who can consistently create chances and contribute to the team’s overall performance.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Real Madrid: Acquiring Zieliński would provide valuable depth and quality to their midfield. He offers a different profile compared to existing players like Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, adding tactical flexibility. His experience at the highest level in Serie A and Champions League would also be a significant asset.
For Napoli: Losing Zieliński would be a blow, as he has been a key player for several years. However, it could also open up opportunities for other players in the squad to step up. Napoli might also use the transfer fee to invest in other areas of the team, strengthening their overall squad.
Potential Transfer Fee and Contract: While the exact transfer fee remains speculative, it’s likely to be in the region of €30-€40 million, given Zieliński’s age and contract situation. He would likely be offered a multi-year contract with a significant salary increase to entice him to move to Madrid.
Why This Result Matters
This potential transfer signifies a strategic shift in Real Madrid’s transfer policy. It indicates a willingness to explore alternatives to high-profile targets and focus on players who can seamlessly integrate into the team’s system. For Napoli, it presents an opportunity to reshape their midfield and potentially invest in younger talent. From a broader perspective, it highlights the ongoing movement of talent between Serie A and La Liga, demonstrating the competitive nature of the European transfer market.
Prediction: I predict that Real Madrid will pursue this transfer aggressively in the January window. Zieliński’s skillset and availability make him an attractive option, and Alonso is likely to push for his acquisition. While Napoli will be reluctant to lose him, a significant offer from Real Madrid could be enough to convince them to sell.
This analysis is based on match observation and recent team performances.
