Real Madrid Eyes Bayern Munich Star to Replace Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate on Transfer Wishlist
Real Madrid are said to be monitoring Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano as a potential alternative if they cannot land Ibrahima Konaté during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Despite strengthening their backline this summer with the acquisitions of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras, the Madrid club continues searching for another central defender. With David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger's contracts set to expire in June, Los Blancos will require further defensive reinforcements.
Liverpool's Konaté remains Real Madrid's primary target, with the French defender playfully admitting that Kylian Mbappé has been encouraging him to join the Spanish club when his contract expires next summer.
However, another defender has apparently caught Real Madrid's attention. Reports from BILD suggest that Xabi Alonso's team has shown interest in Upamecano, who also enters the final year of his current deal.
The publication indicates that contract discussions between Bayern Munich and Upamecano were put on hold during the summer window, leaving the French international without an extension before departing for September's international duties.
These talks, which allegedly broke down over wage disagreements, are anticipated to restart shortly as Bayern attempts to secure Upamecano before European clubs like Real Madrid can tempt the 26-year-old away as a free agent.
If Los Blancos cannot secure Konaté's services, Upamecano represents an excellent alternative available without a substantial transfer fee. The French defender has been a consistent performer for Bayern Munich since his 2021 arrival, featuring in 155 matches while helping the German powerhouse claim three Bundesliga championships.
Like Konaté, Upamecano maintains connections with several Real Madrid squad members through his involvement with the French national setup. The center-back could become the latest French addition to the Spanish capital, joining Mbappé, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy.