Real Madrid tracking Feyenoord midfielder who could arrive for free in 2026 | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s ongoing search for fresh midfield talent has taken a new turn after a report from Fichajes revealed that the club is now showing strong interest in Quinten Timber, the highly regarded 24-year-old Feyenoord midfielder. 

With his current deal running out at the end of the 2025–26 season, the Dutchman has become an intriguing option for clubs across Europe, but it is Real Madrid who appear particularly attentive to the situation.

The Spanish giants have spent the last few years methodically reshaping their midfield with long-term planning in mind. 

Younger profiles with high ceilings, players who can grow into the next generation of Bernabeu leaders, have been at the heart of this project. 

Apparently, Timber aligns perfectly with that vision. His technical quality and strong physical presence make him an attractive candidate for a squad already filled with some of the most exciting talents in world football.

Who is Quinten Timber?

What makes Timber especially interesting to Real Madrid is his balance between defensive work and creativity. 

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Quinten Timber. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The Dutch midfielder has represented his country at multiple levels, gaining valuable experience while still maintaining the hunger and development curve of a player entering his peak years. 

As such, the club is paying close attention to his contract situation, as a free transfer in 2026 would provide a significant market advantage. 

Real Madrid have become experts in identifying top-level players nearing the end of their contracts, as seen in recent successful free-transfer moves for David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Kylian Mbappe. 

Such operations allow the club to continue strengthening without disrupting financial stability.

Although no final decision has been made, Madrid’s sporting department will continue tracking Timber over the remainder of the season.