Real Madrid send scouts to London to monitor top defensive target | OneFootball

Real Madrid seem destined to sign a new centre-back in the summer of 2026.

With David Alaba set to pack his bags in June, Eder Militao battling persistent injury issues, and Antonio Rudiger’s one-year renewal still unsigned, the operation to sign a new centre-back has become a priority at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The club have already drawn up a shortlist, but while Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano remains the favourite, recent developments have forced Los Blancos to activate their contingency plans.

Guehi emerges as the alternative

According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid have sent scouts to London to closely monitor Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The English international has decided he will leave Selhurst Park this summer when his contract expires, making him a highly attractive free agent option.

Marc Guehi has emerged as the desired alternative for top target Upamecano. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Guehi is viewed as the primary alternative should Upamecano decide to renew with Bayern Munich. It appears Real Madrid are determined to avoid a repeat of the Alphonso Davies saga.

While there is a verbal pact with Upamecano regarding terms, the Frenchman is also being chased by PSG and is demanding a package of around €40 million between salary and signing bonus.

To ensure they don’t fall behind in the race for Guehi, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, Madrid have dispatched scouts to watch his matches live and sound out his entourage.

This is a standard practice for the club, similar to the groundwork laid before signing Jude Bellingham and Dean Huijsen.

With the free agent market becoming increasingly competitive, Real Madrid are wasting no time in evaluating their options to ensure the heart of their defence is reinforced for the 2026/27 campaign.