Real Madrid lay out their transfer stance

The story is nothing new. On one side, there’s Real Madrid and their long-standing strategy of keeping a close eye on players nearing the end of their contracts. On the other, there are agents—some, not all—who like to float Real Madrid’s supposed interest, whether genuine or not, to secure better renewal deals for their clients. We saw it with Alphonso Davies. Conversely, there are players who honour their word, as Trent Alexander-Arnold did, and before him, Rüdiger and Alaba.

A year later, the pattern repeats itself—this time in the centre-back position—highlighting what feels less like a desire and more like a need to strengthen the core of the defence.

With Rüdiger and Alaba approaching the end of their contracts and ongoing doubts about their fitness (reports in Germany even suggest the former Chelsea defender could leave), Real Madrid are searching for reinforcements while waiting to see the next steps from their academy talents. The list starts with Joan Martínez, Valde, and Rivas, and continues with Jacobo Ramón, who has been gaining valuable experience during his spell at Como.

Konaté, a Liverpool player like Trent before him, has adopted a cautious stance regarding Madrid’s interest—moving step by step, quietly but decisively. At Anfield, however, they seem to have given up on keeping him. Bayern Munich have entered the race, although their sporting director stated last Friday that the club’s main objective is to extend Upamecano’s contract.

What’s interesting is that he said this during the same week rumours emerged about a supposed agreement between Konaté and Real Madrid—an entirely false claim. The third name in this tangled situation is Guehí, who is already heading to Liverpool to finalise what he began in the summer.

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The reality is that Real Madrid are exploring options, but those at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu remain calm. With Militao back and full confidence in Huijsen, there’s no rush. They know an additional defender is needed, but they refuse to get drawn into a bidding war to secure one. For now, Konaté’s case looks positive, while the situations surrounding Upamecano and his agent appear far less so.

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