Real Madrid are preparing changes at the back. The Spanish giants want to refresh their defence for the coming seasons.
Xabi Alonso has already shown his intentions. This season, the coach has relied heavily on Eder Militao.
Alongside him, Dean Huijsen has been getting minutes and looks like a big part of the project.
Raul Asencio has also been promoted, giving the squad more depth. But the club know they still need one more piece.
That is why Real Madrid have set their sights on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, Transfer News Live has reported this earlier.
His contract with Liverpool runs until 2026, which could open a door for Madrid in the near future.
At the same time, the board has made a tough decision. Two senior centre-backs are not part of the long-term plan, according to Defensa Central.
Both of them will leave in 2026 once their deals run out. The first is David Alaba. Since his serious injury in the 2023/24 season, the Austrian has not returned to his best level.
His fitness issues have limited his role, and competition in the squad has pushed him down the order.
The second is Antonio Rüdiger. The German defender arrived from Chelsea in 2022 and became a regular starter. He played over 100 games for Madrid.
But the club will not extend his contract beyond 2026. Letting both players go will mark the start of a new cycle.
Real Madrid want to avoid mistakes of the past, when ageing squads were not refreshed in time.
The hope is that Konaté will arrive to complete the puzzle. Alongside Militao, Huijsen, and Asencio, he could form a defence strong enough for the present and secure for the future of the Los Blancos.
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