Real Madrid target Konate, Guehi, Upamecano in centre-back hunt

Real Madrid addressed several key areas of the squad last summer, yet the team still feels incomplete. After failing to land a new midfielder, the club has now shifted its focus toward strengthening the central defence.

The board recognises the importance of reinforcing the back line for the future. While Eder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba remain key figures, Madrid is actively exploring options to add another centre-back to its ranks.

One name that continues to surface is Ibrahima Konaté, with speculation pointing to a potential move in the summer of 2026. The French international has yet to renew his contract with Liverpool—a situation drawing parallels with the ongoing uncertainty around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future.

According to 'Marca', Dayot Upamecano is another player whose contract status may spark interest. The Bayern Munich defender, though recently gaining the trust of new manager Vincent Kompany, is not a guaranteed starter and is reportedly open to a move. His profile has been offered to Real Madrid, and a transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu could prove tempting.

From the Premier League, Marc Guéhi has also emerged as a target. As reported by the 'Daily Mirror', the Crystal Palace centre-back could be available on a free transfer next summer, with his current contract set to expire. Liverpool previously showed interest in signing him, but no deal materialised.

Real Madrid appears set on replicating its successful strategy of securing top-class centre-backs on free transfers, following the arrivals of Rüdiger and Alaba. Reinforcing the defence with experienced, high-level talent remains a key objective moving forward.