Real Madrid News
Bayern Munich eyeing move for Real Madrid defensive target; Liverpool open to January sale
The summer of 2026 could see a transfer merry-go-round, especially among a select set of defenders.
Indeed, defenders such as Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi could become hot prospects next summer as they could be available as free agents.
Real Madrid, who have been linked with a move for all three, have been keen on signing Konate for the longest time.
Bayern Munich eye move for Konate
However, according to Diario AS, Bayern Munich are also closely monitoring the situation of Konate, whose contract at Liverpool expires at the end of the season.
The Reds have reportedly tabled a renewal offer for the French international, but nothing has come out of it yet.
Real Madrid, for their part, are keeping an eye on the situation as well, as Konate has been identified as an excellent addition to the club’s defensive line.
What is interesting, however, is that Bayern are presumably targeting Konate as a replacement for Upamecano, who is a target for Real Madrid as well.
In fact, Upamecano’s name has been associated with Real Madrid far more often than Konate in recent weeks.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are trying to pressurise Konate to sign a contract extension. But if he declines, the club will try to push a sale in the upcoming January transfer window.
This could play into the hands of Bayern Munich, who wouldn’t mind paying for a new defender in January, whereas Real Madrid have adopted a strict policy of not signing major players in the winter transfer window.
Liverpool plan to utilise the proceeds of the Konate sale to fund a move for Marc Guehi, another Real Madrid target.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
