Real Madrid could face off with rivals Liverpool over a key defensive transfer target at the start of 2026.
Defence will once again be a key area of focus for Xabi Alonso with veteran duo David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are both out of contract in June 2026 and the former looks certain to move on.
The club hierarchy are open to offering Rudiger a one-year renewal for the 2026/27 season, as per their infamous stance on players aged 30+, but that is not certain due to his injury record.
Eder Militao’s return to fitness has solved a key question for Alonso with the Brazilian partnering up with new signing Dean Huijsen at the heart of Alonso’s back line.
Alonso wants bring in two new faces to fill the gap left by Alaba, and potentially Rudiger, but he is on the hunt for bargains.
Premier League duo Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi are on Alonso’s wish list, as their contracts at Liverpool and Crystal Palace expire in June, and the latter is rumoured to be preferring a move to Madrid over a switch to Anfield.
Liverpool failed to agree a deadline day deal for Guehi, and the England international is rumoured to be blaming Liverpool for not getting a deal done.
Liverpool join Upamecano transfer race in 2026
That has opened the door for other targets, with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano on the radar in Madrid and on Merseyside, and he wants to leave Bavaria next summer as a free agent.
The 26-year-old reportedly has his heart set on Madrid but all three deals will involve a domino effect and Liverpool want Upamecano if Konate moves on.
Reports from German outlet Bild claim Liverpool have reached out to Upamecano’s representatives over an offer at the start of 2026 and they could make a cut price offer in January following a season ending injury for Giovanni Leoni.
