Real Madrid News
French defender on Real Madrid’s radar but free transfer in 2026 seen as most likely option
Real Madrid’s transfer strategy for the upcoming window is evolving.
Initially, Los Blancos had no intention of strengthening the centre-back position in the summer of 2025. However, as per journalist Jorge Picon (via Madrid Xtra), a combination of injury concerns and inconsistent performances has forced a rethink at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The club is now actively searching for a young, affordable centre-back, ideally someone with the versatility to play in multiple positions.
Two names have emerged as serious considerations: Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate.
Between the two, the more eye-catching target is Liverpool’s Konate. The French international, still only 25, has the pace, power, and positional flexibility Real Madrid are now actively seeking.
Doubts regarding his transfer
However, as reported by the journalist, the ideal scenario for Madrid to sign him might be to wait until 2026, when Konate could potentially be available on a free transfer.
If the impasse over a new contract continues, Liverpool may be forced into a sale this summer to avoid losing him for nothing a year later. That opens the door for Real Madrid, who are known to be watching the situation carefully.
But this is where things get tricky. Liverpool are eager to renew his contract, aware of his value and the growing interest from heavyweight clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, who are also monitoring the situation closely.
It is worth noting that while the club prefers not to engage in inflated bidding wars, they have shown in the past, especially with players they truly value, that they can move quickly if the opportunity is right.
The defensive blueprint at Real Madrid is shifting. The club now wants a young centre-back who is financially reasonable, tactically versatile, and capable of stepping into a first-team role without major adaptation issues.
While Huijsen fits the bill, Konate offers a higher ceiling but comes with contractual and competition complications.
As the summer approaches, expect this shortlist to narrow and talks to intensify. For Real Madrid, the focus is not just on signing stars, but building a flexible, future-proof squad.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
