Real Madrid's 2026 Transfer Wishlist: Four Game-Changing Stars Available for Free
No club has mastered the art of free agent acquisitions in modern football quite like Real Madrid.
While Inter's Beppe Marotta also enjoys collecting Bosman transfers each transfer window, Madrid's prestige allows them to avoid rebuilding projects. They can secure elite talent without transfer fees, instead investing heavily in signing bonuses, enhanced wages, agent commissions, and other expenses.
Madrid naturally pays premium rates for top-tier talent, but their pursuit of bargain acquisitions never ceases. Trent Alexander-Arnold became their chosen Bosman target for 2025, and the club is undoubtedly already strategizing for 2026. The courtship process has likely begun, with persuasive efforts continuing until their target succumbs.
An intriguing roster of players approaches the final year of their current deals, and here are four candidates Real Madrid might pursue as free transfers next summer.
Ibrahima Konaté
Liverpool will be eager to prevent another Alexander-Arnold scenario with Konaté, who enters his contract's final year at Anfield. Madrid has already emerged as a potential destination.
Los Blancos need defensive reinforcement at center-back, and acquiring Spain international Dean Huijsen represents a promising beginning.
Nevertheless, significant work remains, as David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger may also depart as free agents next summer. Madrid promoted academy product Raúl Asencio to the senior squad last season, but his long-term viability remains questionable. His Club World Cup performance was disappointing.
Éder Militão is reaching his peak years but enters 2025–26 following two serious knee injuries.
Central defense appears destined to become a priority need by next year, and securing Konaté would represent a significant achievement if he cannot reach terms with the struggling Reds.
Aymeric Laporte
Laporte has been connected to a European comeback since his Saudi Arabian move in 2023.
The 31-year-old maintains his Spanish national team status despite fading from mainstream attention, highlighting his enduring quality. Laporte was previously among Europe's elite defenders and a key figure in Manchester City's championship campaigns. His distribution skills remain among the finest of all central defenders, and Europe's top clubs surely believe Laporte can still perform at elite levels.
Madrid readily signs veteran stars on free transfers, as demonstrated with both Alaba and Rüdiger, and they hope Al Nassr continues rejecting Athletic Club's reunion attempts with Laporte this summer. The Spaniard desires a return to the Basque region, but his substantial wages create complications.
The Saudi club refuses to terminate his contract for a free departure, but their current stance merely postpones the inevitable. Madrid could strike next summer.
Bernardo Silva
Barcelona has pursued Bernardo Silva for years, and the Portuguese star showed serious interest in the current La Liga leaders during 2024.
The cash-strapped Barça couldn't complete a deal, and while many of Pep Guardiola's veterans have departed for new challenges, Bernardo continues at the Etihad. However, this surely represents his final campaign in Manchester.
The vastly experienced Portuguese talent could transition into a midfield orchestrator in his career's later phases, as his days as an energetic winger likely conclude before leaving the Citizens. Madrid, who struggled with ball possession during Carlo Ancelotti's final campaign, could benefit from Bernardo's exceptional technical skills in central positions.
Additionally, his arrival in the Spanish capital would be amusing considering Barcelona's persistent interest.
Rúben Neves
While pursuing Bernardo Silva appears improbable, targeting another Saudi Pro League talent in Rúben Neves makes considerable sense for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese midfielder joined Al Hilal on a three-year contract in 2023, and showcased his abilities at the Club World Cup. Neves converted a penalty in a 1–1 stalemate with Madrid, and excelled at the foundation of Simone Inzaghi's midfield during their remarkable 4–3 triumph over Manchester City in the knockout rounds.
Following Toni Kroos's 2024 retirement and Luka Modrić's current stint in Milan, Madrid urgently requires a midfield orchestrator. Alonso hopes to unlock the potential of Aurélien Tchouamení and Arda Güler in his inaugural season, but Neves must be considered next year if his Middle Eastern extension becomes unlikely.
The 28-year-old remains among football's premier distributors.