Real Madrid News
Real Madrid want to complete the contract renewals of four dressing room heavyweights
Real Madrid’s squad overhaul is extending far beyond the transfer market. Alongside a wave of new signings, the Merengues are also working to secure the long-term futures of the players they see as the foundation of their next era.
After saying goodbye to several veteran stars such as Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, David Alaba, and Dani Carvajal in recent years, the club has ushered in a new generation.
With Jose Mourinho beginning a new chapter on the Madrid bench, the club’s objective is not only to strengthen the squad but also to lock down their key players with new contracts, reports El Debate.
Courtois, Bellingham, Mbappe and Valverde in line for renewals
Indeed, Real Madrid are prioritising the contract renewals for four dressing room heavyweights whom they consider pillars of the current project. They are: Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbapppe.

Courtois, whose current deal runs out next year, is expected to extend his stay until 2028, reflecting the club’s complete confidence in the Belgian goalkeeper despite recent injury concerns.
Real Madrid also intend to begin negotiations with Bellingham, Valverde and Mbappe.
All three still have several years remaining on their current deals, but the club’s policy is to avoid allowing key players to enter the final stages of their contracts before opening renewal talks.
Bellingham’s performances at the World Cup have reinforced his importance, and Mourinho is expected to build much of his attacking system around the England international by deploying him in a more advanced role.
Valverde remains equally indispensable. Despite his difficult year, Mourinho has no intention of losing the Uruguayan, whom he views as one of the team’s leaders both on and off the pitch.
Mbappe could also receive an improved deal after establishing himself as the club’s leading figure since arriving in Madrid. The French forward is viewed as the face of the project for the coming years.

Tchouameni, Brahim renewals already agreed
Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz has already agreed to renew his contract until 2030. Although interest from other clubs remains strong, Real Madrid see him as an important squad player moving forward.
Aurelien Tchouameni has also been rewarded with a new long-term contract, running for another five years and including improved financial terms.
Despite attracting serious interest from Manchester United and several other European clubs, the French midfielder made it clear he had no intention of leaving.
Vinicius remains the unresolved case
The one major contract situation still without a resolution is Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid consider the Brazilian one of their most important players and have already offered him what they view as their maximum salary package.
However, negotiations have stalled after disagreements over additional demands.
The club’s stance remains firm: no individual is bigger than Real Madrid. If an agreement cannot be reached, Real Madrid are prepared to explore the market for another elite attacker.
Moving forward, the sporting department wants to ensure that the backbone of the team remains intact for years to come, avoiding situations where star players approach the final stages of their deals, as with Vinicius.
Real Madrid News
Confirmed: Real Madrid starting lineup against Elche – Guler in for Bellingham
Real Madrid will be looking to pick up their fifth win of the 2026/27 La Liga season when they take on Elche CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight.
With 12 points from five games, Los Blancos are currently second in the league table, three points below leaders FC Barcelona.
As such, the Spanish capital club will be eager to get the win and close the gap to the top.
Guler starts, Bellingham rested
Ahead of kickoff, Real Madrid have announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Elche, with Jose Mourinho making some important changes.
For starters, Arda Guler is back in the lineup after appearing as a substitute in the win over Rayo Vallecano.
Interestingly, however, he starts in the attacking midfield role, with Mourinho opting to rest Jude Bellingham, who has started all of Real Madrid’s games so far.
That also means that Yan Diomande retains his place in the team, starting for a second time in a row on the right wing. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. continue in their respective positions in attack.
Another notable change sees Aurelien Tchouameni make his first start of the season after recovering from injury and making two appearances off the bench.
He replaces Bernardo Silva as Federico Valverde’s partner in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella come in as full-backs, while Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen slot in at centre-back in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 15, 2026
🆚 @ElcheCF
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