Real Madrid eye vital Liverpool star as future midfield target | OneFootball

Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a bold transfer move to sign a crucial Liverpool star in the summer of 2026.

Los Blancos and the Premier League champions have built up a growing rivalry in recent seasons with the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga the latest chapter.

After months of talks with Trent and his representatives, Real Madrid were hopeful over an agreement for the England international to join them as a free agent, when his Liverpool contract expired in June.

However, due to Real Madrid’s determination to have the 26-year-old available for the FIFA Club World Cup, they were forced to pay around €10m to end his contract a few weeks early.

That caused frustration in Madrid with Liverpool praised for holding both parties to the terms of Trent’s contract with the England international enduring a mixed start in Madrid.

As per reports from transfer outlet Fichajes.net, Real Madrid will look to irk Liverpool once again in 2026, with a bumper offer for Ryan Gravenberch after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Gravenberch in action for Liverpool (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

After being a rotation option under Jurgen Klopp, Gravenberch was central to Arne Slot’s title win in his debut 2025/26 campaign, and the Reds will fight to keep him at Anfield.

The Dutchman’s current contract runs until 2028, but amid rumours Eduardo Camavinga could move on, links to Gravenberch have stepped up.

A quoted valuation of €75m is expected to rise based on his performances and the fact Liverpool have paid over £100m for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak in recent months.

The 2025/26 summer window was low-key for spending, by Real Madrid’s standards, and major moves could be on the agenda if Alonso is successful at the end of the campaign.

Florentino Perez will bankroll a rebuild, but only from a position of strength, if Real Madrid clinch the La Liga and/or UEFA Champions League in 2026.