Premier League
Real Madrid has activated medium-term planning as it faces an inevitable transition in its defensive line. The club acknowledges that next summer will be a date marked in red, especially due to the upcoming changes in the rearguard. The strategy is clear: to strengthen the defense without spending a single euro on signings, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the free-agent market.
Xabi Alonso emphasizes the importance of building a balanced team with a clear structure from the back. The coach wants a solid defense capable of sustaining high pressure, playing cleanly from their own half, and enhancing individual talent within a reliable collective system. This vision completely influences the type of defender the club aims to incorporate next summer.
Real Madrid outlines a revamped defense without transfer fees
The current situation requires precise action. Real Madrid is aware that injuries have heavily affected the defense in recent years, a trend that has not disappeared in the current season. Added to this is an undeniable reality: Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba will bid farewell in June, leaving two significant vacancies both on the field and in the dressing room. For this reason, the board believes that the renewal of the defense cannot be delayed.
In Valdebebas, the roadmap is clear. Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, and Marc Guéhi lead the list of targets, as reported by DefensaCentral. The three share a common denominator that the club deems essential: they will be out of contract at the end of the season and have not reached a renewal agreement with their current teams. This situation allows Real Madrid to consider a strategic move that aligns with its economic and sporting policies.
Both Upamecano and Konaté, along with Guéhi, offer a physical, technical, and tactical profile compatible with Xabi Alonso's model. They are young central defenders, experienced in top-level leagues, accustomed to demanding playing paces, and ready to take on responsibilities from day one. For the sports management, any of them would represent an immediate qualitative leap.
Upamecano, Konaté, and Guéhi: the most reliable trio on the market
Dayot Upamecano is one of the most highly valued names in the club offices. His strength, speed, and experience in European competitions fit perfectly into the type of central defender sought by Xabi Alonso. His departure from Bayern could be confirmed if there is no renewal agreement, making him an extremely attractive market opportunity.
The situation with Ibrahima Konaté follows a similar dynamic. Liverpool is keen on extending his contract, but negotiations are at a standstill. His ability to win duels, cover ground quickly, and his aggressiveness in marking make him an ideal profile for Real Madrid's defense. The contractual situation plays in favor of Real Madrid, closely monitoring his progress.
On the other hand, Marc Guéhi is the most consistent of the three candidates. Established at Crystal Palace and in the English national team, he has become one of the most reliable center-backs in the Premier League. His tactical understanding, maturity, and consistency make him a very serious option to integrate into Xabi Alonso's future defensive structure.

Three profiles for a project demanding stability and growth
Xabi Alonso seeks defenders capable of interpreting the game from behind, taking risks judiciously, and anticipating the opponent's movements. Both Upamecano and Konaté, as well as Guéhi, fit the mold of a modern center-back adapting to elite football. Therefore, Real Madrid does not consider alternatives outside this trio unless an unexpected option arises in the market.
The strategy is well-defined: waiting until June to avoid transfer fees and negotiate directly with the chosen player. There will be no rush, but firm decisions will be made when the time comes. The club knows that competition will be fierce but trusts in its sporting appeal and a rejuvenated project under Alonso's leadership.
Real Madrid refines its plan to dominate the market for free-agent center-backs
Real Madrid will not deviate from its roadmap. Upamecano, Konaté, and Guéhi are the final three candidates, and the club is convinced that one of them will be the natural successor to the current defensive line. The goal is clear: to secure a top center-back without a transfer fee, optimizing resources and strengthening a project seeking long-term stability. The summer will mark the beginning of a new era in Real Madrid's defense.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid no va a gastarse ni un euro en un nuevo central
