Real Madrid in a four-way battle involving Barcelona for Premier League captain | OneFootball

Real Madrid plan on signing a new centre-back in the summer of 2026, given that they are set to part ways with David Alaba, while question marks linger over Antonio Rudiger’s future as well.

Moreover, with Eder Militao’s constant injury problems, it would not come as a surprise to see the Spanish capital giants go after two new central defenders.

As has become the case in recent years, Real Madrid will once again target the free-agency pool for reinforcements, with Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich already identified as a target.

Real Madrid among top clubs eyeing Guehi

Now, according to Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, Real Madrid find themselves involved in a four-way battle for Crystal Palace captain and England defender Marc Guehi.

Indeed, apart from Los Merengues, their rivals FC Barcelona, Premier League champions Liverpool, and Bundesliga title-holders Bayern Munich all want the 25-year-old centre-half.

Everyone wants Guehi. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

In fact, the report states that Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl intends to hold a direct exchange with Guehi in January, when he enters the final six months of his contract, to convince him over moving to Bavaria.

While Real Madrid hold an interest in Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain, whose contract expires on June 30, 2026, is not seen as a priority target at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Dayot Upamecano, whose deal also runs out at the end of the season, is seen as a key target by the Spanish giants, although Bayern Munich are optimistic about his renewal as well.

So, it remains to be seen how things go as far as Real Madrid and their pursuit of a new centre-back for the summer of 2026 pans out.