Premier League captain not a priority target for Real Madrid for 2026 | OneFootball

With David Alaba’s exit pretty much guaranteed at this point and Antonio Rudiger’s future also uncertain, Real Madrid will enter the market for a new centre-back in the summer of 2026.

The Merengues have already identified several targets to strengthen the position, with the club looking for potential free agents in the market.

It has led to links with Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich, Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

However, as already reported, Real Madrid have ruled out a move for Konate and have informed Liverpool that they have no interest in his signing.

Marc Guehi not a priority either

Now, according to Mario Cortegana The Athletic, Real Madrid do not see Marc Guehi as a priority target for the summer of 2026.

The 25-year-old defender came very close to leaving Crystal Palace in the summer earlier this year, but his move to Liverpool collapsed at the last minute.

Not a priority target for Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Since then, though, the Englishman has made it clear that he will not be signing a new contract with the Eagles even though he continues to be a prominent player for the team and the club captain.

Naturally, several top clubs across Europe have taken note of his situation, with Real Madrid among them, along with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool.

However, as things stand, Los Blancos do not consider Guehi a priority target for next year.

It would seemingly suggest that they could be looking at Upamecano as their main option to strengthen the centre-back department. However, Bayern Munich are confident of extending the Frenchman’s contract.

So, it remains to be seen who Real Madrid sign to reinforce their defensive line next summer. It is not ruled out that they promote someone from within the club, with prospects like Joan Martinez, Diego Aguado, and Victor Valdepenas knocking on the doors.