French defensive duo keen on joining Real Madrid in 2026 – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid have enjoyed their best defensive start to a season in over a decade and much of that credit should be given to a summer overhaul.

Indeed, the club roped in the likes of Trent, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras in the summer, with the Spaniards, in particular, impressing onlookers with their performances.

Given their success, Real Madrid are gearing up for yet another big defensive overhaul in the summer of 2026.

Konate and Upamecano want to join Real Madrid

Real Madrid have already been linked with a series of centre-backs throughout Europe so far, including Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate.

According to MARCA, both Konate and his French national teammate Dayot Upamecano are ready to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.

Konate is Real Madrid’s top defensive target for the summer of 2026. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)

While Konate has always been a target for Los Blancos, Upamecano, too, has recently offered himself to Los Blancos, with his current deal at Bayern Munich expiring at the end of the season.

However, the report adds that Real Madrid do not consider Upamecano a priority right now, which does make sense considering the fact that Konate is a far better and more accomplished option.

For the time being, Real Madrid appear to be only keen on Konate. But if the club do end up getting rid of both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba next summer, they might consider a move for another centre-back, and that’s where Upamecano could come into the fray.

It must be noted that Real Madrid have also been linked with moves for other centre-backs across Europe, including Marc Guehi, who was close to joining Liverpool in the summer.