Real Madrid register interest in promising La Liga defender – report | OneFootball

Signing a new defender will be one of Real Madrid’s priorities in the summer of 2026, as the club desperately look to move on from ageing stars such as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.

Injuries, too, have tested the depth of the Real Madrid defence, which clearly needs reinforcements ahead of next season.

Real Madrid have already been linked with the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano on a free transfer. But for one way or another, it is quite likely the club won’t be able to sign any of them.

Real Madrid register interest in Valencia defender

Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid have now registered interest in Valencia starlet Cesar Tarrega, who is regarded as one of the most promising young centre-backs in La Liga right now, reports Defensa Central.

With 17 appearances in all competitions, Tarrega has been an ever-present figure in the Valencia backline, impressing onlookers with his imposing presence at the back.

The latest defensive starlet in La Liga. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Indeed, Tarrega stands at 1.94m and can be a daunting presence for any attacker. This plays into the hands of a Real Madrid defence looking for a physically adept partner for someone like Dean Huijsen.

However, Real Madrid are not alone in the race to sign Tarrega, with many clubs having already made an effort to sign the Spanish starlet. None of them have managed to strike a deal with Valencia, though.

Tarrega has a release clause embedded in his contract worth around €100 million, a sum Real Madrid are not willing to pay.

Therefore, the club’s only solution will be to negotiate a lower fee with Valencia, which can prove to be quite a difficult task.