The phone call came at 7 AM sharp.
Philippe's excitement crackled through the international connection from San Sebastián. Monaco's head scout had spent three days observing Real Sociedad's training sessions in the Basque Country.
"He's exceptional. Everything you described and more."
Demien sat up in bed, instantly alert. Xabi Alonso was the final piece of their tactical revolution—a deep-lying playmaker capable of unlocking possibilities that had yet to be imagined.
"Loan terms?"
"Complex. They want a permanent deal or nothing."
Real Sociedad's directors had gathered in their boardroom overlooking the bay. As a traditional Basque club, they prized youth development above all else. Alonso was an academy success story they were reluctant to lose.
"One-year loan with an option to buy," Philippe explained his proposal. "Minimal risk for maximum development opportunity."
Skepticism filled the negotiating room. Why loan a promising teenager to a foreign club when he could develop at home? This cultural resistance made sense from a sporting perspective.
Yet financial realities often trumped sentiment.
Real Sociedad needed immediate revenue. European qualification had not delivered the expected windfall, making Monaco's offer attractive despite their reluctance.
"They'll consider a €1.6 million loan fee plus a €14 million purchase clause."
It was a strategic investment disguised as cautious experimentation—a present payment for a future star who would define midfield play within five years.
Philippe had watched Alonso dictate the tempo during training matches. At just nineteen, he played with the understanding of a seasoned veteran, his vision spotting passes three moves ahead.
"He reads the game like he wrote the tactical manual."
He perfectly complements D'Alessandro's creativity—a blend of mathematical precision and artistic flair in a midfield partnership that could change European football.
"Close the deal. Today."
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French sports media erupted with speculation.
Headlines appeared across major publications within hours of the news breaking. Monaco's second Spanish acquisition created a narrative that journalists couldn't ignore.
"Laurent's Iberian Obsession Continues"
"Revolutionary Coach Building Spanish Core"
"Monaco's European Ambitions Through Spanish Talent"
L'Équipe's front page featured Alonso's photograph above an analysis questioning Monaco's recruitment strategy. Why target Spanish teenagers when French talent was abundant?
However, Clara's column in Le Monde offered a different perspective.
"Tactical revolution requires revolutionary recruitment. Laurent isn't building a Spanish team—he's assembling the future of football."
This understanding transcended national boundaries, recognizing that quality knows no passport.
Nice-Matin's sports editor called the approach "a calculated risk that could redefine French football's international standing," showing professional appreciation for strategic thinking.
Social media buzzed with fan reactions. Monaco supporters were divided between excitement and confusion as revolutionary football attracted attention that traditional approaches never generated.
Spanish newspapers covered the story extensively. Real Sociedad fans protested the sale of an academy graduate, and cultural pride clashed with financial necessity.
"Young Basque talent deserves the opportunity at the highest level," concluded an editorial in Marca. "Monaco offers a platform that Real Sociedad cannot provide."
This international recognition validated Monaco's transfer strategy, with Spanish media acknowledging the club's growing reputation for tactical innovation.
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Tuesday morning brought a medical examination at a state-of-the-art facility.
Alonso arrived with a single travel bag and a quiet confidence typical of players who understand their own quality. His ht build belied the technical ability that would redefine midfield play.
Comprehensive tests revealed exceptional fitness levels, with a heart rate recovery that impressed the medical staff. Flexibility measurements suggested he was a natural athlete despite his technical emphasis.
"Remarkable physical condition for a creative player," the chief medical officer noted. "We usually see this level of conditioning in defensive midfielders."
This professional preparation separated elite prospects from merely talented teenagers, highlighting the modern football demand for physical excellence alongside technical brilliance.
The club photographer documented every moment of this historic signing, defining Monaco's tactical evolution—a revolutionary recruitment for a revolutionary football approach.
Blood tests, muscle density analysis, and neurological assessments measured reaction times and spatial awareness, providing a scientific evaluation of artistic talent.
Alonso handled the medical circus with a maturity that impressed the staff. His professional composure shone through, even under pressure that could overwhelm many teenagers. His mental strength suggested he was ready for the elite level.
"No concerns from a medical perspective," the doctors confirmed. "He's cleared for competitive football immediately."
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The press conference began at 2 PM in Monaco's media room.
Journalists packed the space like sardines while camera crews positioned their equipment for optimal angles. There was palpable curiosity about Monaco's second Spanish acquisition in two months.
Alonso sat beside Demien at a long table, the Monaco crest perfectly positioned behind them. A translator stood discreetly nearby, though the player's French was improving.
"Welcome to Monaco, Xabi."
Camera flashes erupted. Questions were shouted simultaneously in French, which the teenager processed with impressive calm.
"Why Monaco?" L'Équipe's correspondent opened with the predictable inquiry.
"European football opportunity," Alonso replied in careful French, interspersed with fluent Spanish. "Coach Laurent's vision excites me."
Language barriers couldn't obscure his tactical intelligence. The young player's responses revealed an understanding that impressed even the most skeptical journalists.
"What is your role in the team?"
"Deep playmaker. I control the tempo and create opportunities for my teammates."
This simple explanation masked complex tactical responsibilities, showcasing a professional maturity that suggested he was ready for the revolutionary system.
Clara raised her hand from her familiar position.
"How will you adapt to a different tactical approach?"
"Football language is universal. Quality players understand quality football."
His diplomatic response protected tactical secrets while acknowledging systematic differences, demonstrating an understanding that press conferences required careful navigation.
Questions continued for twenty minutes, each inquiry probing his background and expectations. Professional journalism sought angles for tomorrow's headlines.
"Real Sociedad fans are upset about losing an academy graduate. Do you have a message for them?"
This sensitive question addressed the cultural politics behind the transfer. The young player navigated this diplomatic minefield with impressive composure.
"I'm grateful for Real Sociedad's development. Monaco offers an opportunity to grow further. I'm still a proud Basque player."
His perfect response acknowledged his roots while embracing the future, showcasing professionalism that distinguished elite prospects from merely talented teenagers.
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Training ground integration began immediately after the press duties.
Morientes and D'Alessandro switched to Spanish the moment Alonso arrived. Without conscious effort, a natural chemistry developed between the Iberian players, forming a cultural bridge within the revolutionary tactical structure.
"Bienvenido, hermano," Morientes embraced his new teammate. "Ready for something special?"
Understanding flowed through their shared language and football heritage as the three Spanish speakers formed the tactical nucleus defining Monaco's approach.
Other players embraced the multilingual environment, with Bernardi assisting with French translations during complex drills. This professional adaptation set elite teams apart from merely talented collections.
Alonso's first touch killed a difficult pass. His second touch created space where none existed, his vision spotting teammates in impossible positions through geometric understanding.
"Natural playmaker," Michel observed from the touchline. "He sees the game three moves ahead."
The training session showcased the potential of the Alonso-D'Alessandro partnership—a deep-lying distributor perfectly complementing a creative midfielder. Their combination combined mathematical precision with artistic flair.
Players gathered around to watch their impossible passing combinations as technical quality transcended cultural boundaries and language barriers. The universal language of football was spoken with fluent authority
Staff exchanged satisfied glances. The final piece of the tactical puzzle was clicking into place. This revolutionary recruitment was justifying its expensive gamble through immediate demonstrations of quality.
Formation work revealed new possibilities, with Alonso dropping between center-backs during buildup phases and D'Alessandro finding space between defensive lines. This midfield partnership could unlock any organized defense.
"Now we have everything," Demien told Michel as training ended. "It's time to show Europe what revolution looks like."