Liverpool Defender ‘Is number one in the race’ for La Liga Giants | OneFootball

Free-transfer strategy targets Premier League stars

Real Madrid have intensified their search for a central defender ahead of next summer, with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi among the leading names under consideration. The Spanish champions are once again expected to exploit the free-transfer market — a tactic that has served them well in recent years — with both players entering the final stages of their current contracts.

The recruitment plan follows the successful acquisitions of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, both of whom arrived in Madrid without transfer fees. Sources close to Valdebebas suggest that club officials have earmarked Konaté as a primary defensive target, with Guehi and Dayot Upamecano also being monitored as secondary options.

Konaté’s contract tension raises alarm at Anfield

Konaté’s situation at Liverpool has become increasingly uncertain. Despite the French international’s pivotal role under Arne Slot, contract talks have yet to yield an agreement. With his deal due to expire in June 2026, Madrid view the 26-year-old as an ideal long-term successor to Rüdiger or Alaba, both of whom are approaching the twilight of their top-level careers.

Liverpool, for their part, remain determined to keep the player. The club hierarchy recognises Konaté’s blend of athleticism, technical ability, and calm under pressure as central to Slot’s rebuilding project. However, Madrid’s interest has raised inevitable concerns — particularly given the allure of the Bernabéu and the club’s track record of persuading elite players to join on free deals.

One Anfield source described the mood as “uneasy,” with fears that prolonged uncertainty could mirror past high-profile departures to La Liga. Madrid’s long-standing reputation for securing out-of-contract talent only amplifies that risk.

Guehi’s steady rise keeps Madrid and Liverpool alert

Marc Guehi, meanwhile, remains a player admired across Europe. The 25-year-old Crystal Palace captain, whose contract enters its final eight months, came close to leaving Selhurst Park this summer, with Liverpool making a late move before administrative delays scuppered the transfer.

Since then, Guehi’s consistency in the Premier League — coupled with his international experience with Ivory Coast — has made him one of the most sought-after defenders in England. Real Madrid have been informed of his availability, though Konaté continues to top their list.

Palace, aware of growing interest, are hopeful of securing an extension but may find it difficult to compete with the financial power and prestige of Madrid or Liverpool. Should Guehi decide against renewal, he could become the next Premier League defender to test himself on the European stage.

Real Madrid’s defensive evolution continues

With Eder Militão and promising youngster Dean Huijsen forming the core of Madrid’s back line, the Spanish club are planning for a gradual transition. Both Rüdiger and Alaba are out of contract at the end of the current season, leaving significant scope for a new arrival.

As one senior Madrid source put it, “We’ve seen how effective free transfers can be when the timing and profile are right.” That policy has already yielded success — from Alaba’s arrival from Bayern Munich to Rüdiger’s move from Chelsea — and the next phase appears to involve securing one of the Premier League’s best defenders for minimal cost.

Madrid’s summer business may yet depend on how Liverpool respond. If Konaté signs an extension, Guehi could move to the top of Madrid’s shortlist. Either way, the European champions are positioning themselves for another efficient, calculated move in the market — and the Premier League should take note.