Real Madrid’s Defensive Reinforcements
Real Madrid is keeping a close eye on the contractual situation of Ibrahima Konaté, who plays for Liverpool and is set to become a free agent next summer. However, within the club, there are mixed opinions regarding the potential signing of the 26-year-old defender.
Reports indicate that Madrid had been hopeful of luring another defender, William Saliba, away from Arsenal; however, the young French international has recently finalized a five-year extension that will keep him with the Gunners until 2027. This news is a setback for the Spanish giants, who had been planning to make a bid for Saliba in 2026, when he would have had just a year left on his contract.
Strategic Considerations
Despite the disappointment with the Saliba situation, Madrid has identified Konaté as a candidate for their defensive reinforcements, continuing a strategy that has successfully brought in high-profile players like Kylian Mbappé, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger on free transfers in recent seasons. However, some club executives are more hesitant about pursuing the Liverpool center-back compared to the unanimous support there was for Alexander-Arnold last summer.
In addition to Konaté, another name under consideration for Madrid’s defensive setup is Castello Lukeba, who currently plays for RB Leipzig. The club is looking to add depth in the center-back position, particularly as they anticipate potential departures from experienced players such as Alaba, whose current deal expires in 2026, and Rüdiger, who has been linked with a transition to the Saudi Arabian league.
Tactical Preferences and Future Prospects
Madrid’s intent to shore up their defense stems from coach Xabi Alonso‘s tactical preference for varying formations, including a back three. Alongside the anticipated new signings, the squad will rely on talents like Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, and Raúl Asencio. Furthermore, promising academy player Joan Martinez, aged 18, is returning from a significant injury layoff and is currently gaining experience with the Castilla reserve team, potentially bolstering the first-team options in the future.
