Real Madrid Eyes Five Elite Center-Backs as Konate Pursuit Falls Through
Real Madrid fans certainly don't want to witness the central defensive duo of Álvaro Carreras and Raúl Asencio playing together again anytime soon.
With Xabi Alonso's primary four defenders all injured, tactical adjustments became necessary, leading the Madrid manager to pair the towering left-back Carreras alongside young Asencio, who had a promising breakthrough season in 2024–25 but has struggled to make an impact under the new coaching staff.
While one might contend that the circumstances forcing Alonso to deploy this unexpected combination against Olympiacos on Wednesday evening were extremely unlucky, with Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba all unavailable simultaneously. Nevertheless, both Rüdiger and Alaba are over 30 years old, and Militão has endured two serious knee injuries, making injury concerns predictable with this current squad.
Therefore, it's crucial that Madrid continues to strengthen this position heading into 2026.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté was previously considered the club's primary target for the upcoming summer, but recent reports indicate Los Blancos have lost interest. Alternative options exist, and here are five central defenders who could potentially attract the Spanish powerhouse's attention next year.
1. Dayot Upamecano
Konaté's contractual circumstances had attracted Madrid's attention, but the Liverpool defender isn't the sole high-profile player entering his contract's final year.
Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano developed a somewhat unfavorable reputation following several costly errors in crucial matches, but the French international has experienced an excellent 18-month period under Vincent Kompany's guidance at Bayern Munich.
He's proven to be an excellent match for the Belgian coach, who demands his defenders step forward from the defensive line to win challenges higher up the field as part of Bayern's intensely organized man-marking system.
Upamecano possesses strong ball-handling skills, though sometimes this confidence becomes problematic, with careless moments in possession frequently triggering the chaotic sequences that cause many to doubt his ability at elite level.
Still, the 27-year-old is approaching his peak years, and securing him as a free agent would represent a significant achievement for Madrid. Bayern, however, remains optimistic about retaining the French defender.
2. Marc Guéhi
Madrid has brought several Englishmen to the Santiago Bernabéu in recent years, but they haven't featured an English central defender since Jonathan Woodgate departed following an unsuccessful stint in 2007.
Woodgate's difficulties may have discouraged Madrid from recruiting another player from similar backgrounds, but it appears they're prepared to venture into that market once more.
Interest exists in Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi, whose contract also expires at season's end and who almost certainly won't renew his agreement in south London. Liverpool appeared ready to acquire him during the summer, but negotiations collapsed at the final stage, and it's uncertain whether the Reds will pursue the Palace captain again next year.
Even if they do, Madrid's appeal will be difficult for Guéhi to resist. His performances for Palace have established him as a regular starter for England's national team, with his displays in important matches convincing enough to suggest he could handle the pressure of Spain's capital.
Guéhi represents a composed and reliable presence who's well-balanced, though he lacks aerial dominance. Some fans might prefer a more commanding defender to be recruited next year, but Guéhi's contract situation makes him a compelling option.
3. Nico Schlotterbeck
Madrid's interest in Nico Schlotterbeck dates back to 2024, and these speculations won't fade away soon.
While Alonso's exact defensive requirements haven't been revealed, Schlotterbeck offers something distinctive.
The German international is an elegant player who stands among Europe's most skilled passers in his position. Schlotterbeck has also assumed captaincy duties at Borussia Dortmund, indicating his leadership capabilities within the defensive unit.
With his deal running until 2027, Madrid cannot secure him as a free agent next year, but opportunities exist to negotiate a reasonable fee for the left-footed defender. While Huijsen can effectively operate on the left side of defense, having someone with Schlotterbeck's possession quality could potentially revolutionize Madrid's attacking transitions.
4. Castello Lukeba
It's certainly just a question of when Castello Lukeba becomes RB Leipzig's next rising star to secure a major transfer elsewhere. Their current roster is filled with promising players, but Lukeba is undoubtedly their most valuable defensive asset.
The 22-year-old French player emerged as a teenager at Lyon before transferring to Germany in 2023. His sophomore season at Leipzig proved challenging, but Lukeba appears to have returned to form this campaign and could potentially help this developing eastern German club qualify for Europe's top competition again next year.
Another left-footed central defender, Lukeba reportedly has an €80 million ($92.8 million) release clause for next summer, with Bayern already rumored to be considering the young defender should Upamecano depart.
Unless they're completely certain, the financial commitment involved will likely discourage Madrid next year. Lukeba might possess greater potential than Upamecano, however.
5. Jérémy Jacquet
Huijsen represented significant progress, but Madrid still requires younger options at central defense. Therefore, if the club considers investing in a developmental defender, they need look no further than Rennes prospect Jérémy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old is the latest player labeled as the quintessential "contemporary defender," but his qualities suggest this description hasn't been carelessly applied. Jacquet is an exceptional athlete who excels when defending aggressively. Most importantly, he possesses the necessary mobility and pace to recover when beaten.
Simply put, this appears to be France's next breakthrough talent. Jacquet seemingly has the tools to evolve into one of the world's premier central defenders, and Madrid has demonstrated in recent years their willingness to invest in potential with the goal of cultivating and developing their progression toward stardom.