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Real Madrid CD Alaves

21/04/26 21:30:00

1.22 6.00 13.00

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Real Madrid is already planning the summer 2026 transfer market and has identified four top-level targets for their defense: Marc Guehi, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, and William Saliba.

The Chamartín board aims to stay ahead of the competition and secure the next generation of defensive leaders, mindful that players like Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are nearing the end of their contracts.

Dayot Upamecano, the market opportunity

One of the most intriguing names at Valdebebas is Dayot Upamecano. The French center-back's contract with Bayern Munich expires in 2026, and renewal talks are at a standstill. The player demands a salary higher than the €16 million he currently earns, a figure the Bavarian club is not willing to meet.

The situation mirrors that of David Alaba, who joined Madrid in 2021 after refusing to renew in Germany. The Madrid side sees this as an opportunity to replicate that move: signing a defender with Champions League and elite European experience at no cost.

According to club sources, Xabi Alonso believes Upamecano would offer "leadership, aggressiveness, and speed in anticipation," qualities that fit the desired playing style.

Ibrahima Konaté and uncertainty at Liverpool

Another major target is Ibrahima Konaté, a key player at Liverpool but whose future remains uncertain. The 26-year-old French defender has yet to renew his contract, sparking debate at Anfield.

Real Madrid is monitoring the situation cautiously, knowing that Konaté has over 90 appearances in the Premier League with defensive stats supporting him: a 67% success rate in tackles and an average of 4.8 clearances per game last season.

His market value is around €50 million, an investment that Florentino Pérez would be willing to make if negotiations open up. For the Madrid club, his arrival would not only strengthen the defense but also weaken a direct rival in Europe.

Marc Guehi, the emerging English center-back

The case of Marc Guehi is different. His contract with Crystal Palace expires in 2026, and from January 1st, he can freely negotiate with other clubs. The 24-year-old English international has already expressed a preference for Real Madrid if he leaves London, giving the Madrid side an edge over Barcelona, who are also closely monitoring him.

Guehi combines youth and experience. In the Premier League, he has shown aerial prowess and leadership qualities, making him an ideal profile for the future of the Madrid defense.

William Saliba, the most established of the group

The fourth name on the list is William Saliba, a cornerstone at Arsenal and one of Europe's standout central defenders. At 23, he has already accumulated over 100 appearances in England and is a key figure in the French national team.

His market value is high, but Real Madrid sees him as a long-term investment capable of leading the defense for the next decade. Valdebebas sees Saliba as a similar profile to Raphaël Varane in his prime: fast, good with the ball at his feet, and solid in one-on-one duels.

The sporting direction knows that the defense needs an orderly transition. Players like Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba end their contracts in 2026, and Éder Militão has suffered serious injuries. Therefore, securing at least one or two young and established center-backs is a priority.

Additionally, the club is working with the youth academy: names like Rafa Marín and Dean Huijsen are already emerging as future options, although it's deemed necessary to complement them with internationally experienced players.

Competition and challenges in the center-back market

Interest from PSG and Manchester United in Upamecano and Konaté adds pressure on Madrid. Both clubs have financial muscle and will not hesitate to join the bidding if they see an opportunity.

In this scenario, Florentino Pérez and Juni Calafat will need to replicate the strategy that has brought them success: preempting rivals, leveraging players in their final contract stages, and convincing players with a solid sporting project.

Real Madrid does not want to wait for the defense to weaken before taking action. With Upamecano, Konaté, Guehi, and Saliba on the agenda, the board aims to ensure the generational transition and maintain the solidity that has characterized the Madrid defense over the last decade.

The summer of 2026 appears to be a turning point for the club. If they manage to secure one or two of these defenders, the team will be in a position to sustain its dominance in Spain and compete for the Champions League in the coming years.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 4 centrales que vigila el Real Madrid para verano de 2026