Real Madrid’s summer transfer plans are already generating a buzz across the footballing world, and with good reason. The Spanish giants are eyeing a defensive overhaul for the 2026 season, and the speculation swirling around Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate has fans and pundits alike on the edge of their seats. But with uncertainty surrounding some of their current stars and a list of high-profile targets, the road ahead is anything but straightforward for Los Blancos.
Let’s start with the facts: Real Madrid’s interest in bolstering their backline is no secret. The club’s hierarchy has been forced to confront the reality that stalwarts David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger might not be in the long-term plans, prompting an aggressive push for fresh talent. William Saliba, the standout Arsenal defender, was initially at the top of their wishlist. However, Saliba’s recent decision to sign a new five-year deal with the Gunners has taken him off the market, leaving Madrid to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Enter Ibrahima Konate. At 26 years old, the Liverpool center-back has established himself as a formidable presence in the Premier League, blending physicality with technical prowess. His contract at Anfield is set to expire in June 2026, and crucially, he’s turned down multiple renewal offers from Liverpool, signaling a willingness to embrace a new challenge. According to multiple sources, Konate is “keen to make a move to Real Madrid,” and the possibility of securing him on a free transfer has not gone unnoticed by the Madrid brass.
But here’s where things get interesting. Unlike the near-unanimous excitement that surrounded Real Madrid’s pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold—another Liverpool star recently poached in a similar contract situation—the consensus on Konate is far from clear-cut. As reported by ESPN and echoed by several Spanish outlets, “Konate divides opinion within the Real Madrid offices.” While some see him as a market opportunity with proven Premier League experience, others are less convinced that he’s the right fit for Madrid’s evolving defensive needs.
“There is not the same degree of unanimity regarding Konate as there was when they pursued Alexander-Arnold,” one source noted. The debate rages on behind closed doors, and fans are left to wonder whether Konate will ultimately don the famous white shirt or if the club will pivot to other targets.
Speaking of alternatives, Real Madrid’s scouting network is casting a wide net. RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is on the radar, though his hefty €90 million price tag could be a significant stumbling block. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano is another candidate, and reports suggest he is open to a switch to the Bernabeu, with his contract also set to expire next summer. The club’s recent transfer policy leans toward signing younger players who can make an immediate impact, and both Konate and Upamecano fit that mold—at least on paper.
Of course, internal dynamics play a crucial role in shaping these decisions. Eder Militao’s performances this season have been nothing short of impressive, and his continued development could influence whether Madrid opts for a marquee signing or a more strategic addition to the backline. The club’s decision-makers are weighing all these factors as they plot their course for the summer window.
While transfer rumors dominate the headlines, Real Madrid’s current squad is dealing with its own set of challenges. Ferland Mendy, the French left-back, has been sidelined since April 2025 after undergoing surgery for a muscle injury. It’s been a long road to recovery, but on September 26, 2025, Mendy was spotted at Valdebebas engaging in light training and ball work—his first appearance on the pitch in five months. The medical staff is taking a cautious approach, and there’s still no definitive timeline for his return to full action. Before his injury, Mendy had featured in 31 matches across all competitions, notching two assists and providing much-needed stability on the left flank.
In Mendy’s absence, Alvaro Carreras has stepped up admirably, establishing himself as the regular starter at left-back. Fran Garcia has served as a reliable backup, ensuring that Madrid’s defensive line hasn’t missed a beat despite the injury setbacks. When Mendy does return, he’ll face stiff competition for minutes—a testament to the depth and quality that manager Xabi Alonso has at his disposal.
Speaking of Alonso, the Real Madrid head coach is preparing his squad for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season: the Madrid derby against Atletico. The match is set to take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Alonso confirmed that Mendy, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rudiger, will miss the clash due to injury. However, there’s a silver lining, as Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick have all recently returned to fitness and are included in the squad.
Alonso didn’t shy away from the emotional significance of the derby in his pre-match press conference. “On the one hand, there’s the preparation for the match, but then of course it’s a derby. It’s very emotional. We’re expecting a great atmosphere, a powerful one. We hope it will make us play with energy and concentration,” he told reporters. The manager also highlighted the unique pressure and excitement that comes with facing Atletico at the Metropolitano, noting, “It is different going to the Metropolitano with Madrid. Because of the rivalry. It’s nice and hopefully we can enjoy it tomorrow as well. The standings don’t say much, but the match will be difficult. We’ll have to work hard.”
As for team selection, Alonso is considering starting Bellingham on the bench, given his recent recovery from a shoulder operation. Franco Mastantuono and Arda Guler are likely to feature in the starting XI, bringing youthful energy and creativity to the midfield. “Franco has a lot of good things going for him. He’s only 18 years old. He’s adapted very well. I love how competitive he is. He has a lot of energy. Then you have to organise it. But that competitive streak is essential in our team. We’re going to enjoy it. Everyone is ready. They’ve all recovered well. No one is injured or anything. We’ll decide tomorrow,” Alonso said.
Real Madrid enters the derby in scintillating form, having won all six of their La Liga matches at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. They sit atop the table, two points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona, and the momentum is firmly on their side as they look to extend their perfect record.
With the transfer window still months away and the derby looming large, Real Madrid finds itself at a crossroads. The pursuit of a new defensive lynchpin is far from settled, with Konate’s future still up in the air and internal debates raging on. Meanwhile, the current squad is navigating injuries and fierce competition for places, all under the watchful eye of Xabi Alonso. One thing is certain: the coming months promise plenty of drama, both on and off the pitch, as Los Blancos chase glory and plot their next big move.
