Real Madrid is preparing major moves for its defense. Although David Alaba and Éder Militao have been key pieces, the reality is that their time at the club could be coming to an end. The white team knows it must renew its defense, and the upcoming summer transfer window will be key to signing two top center-backs.
A contract that marks the future
Militao and Alaba's contracts end in June 2026, which puts Madrid on alert. Especially because the German's contract renewal is not guaranteed.
That's why, from now on, the club is thinking about the future and the need to strengthen the backline. It's not an immediate urgency, but it is a priority to keep the defensive level that a team aspiring to everything demands.
Saliba and Konaté, the two favorites
According to Marca and as reported by Defensa Central, William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté are the names most liked at the White House. Both are considered the best center-backs available on the market. However, signing them won't be easy.
Saliba, who has a contract until 2027, represents a complex and high-cost operation. Arsenal is aware of Madrid's interest and won't make it easy. Meanwhile, Konaté seems more accessible because his contract with Liverpool ends in 2026 and he hasn't renewed yet. This makes him a more viable option, although the English club will try to convince him to stay.
Two signings or just one?
The ideal for Madrid would be to sign both, to secure the defense in the long term. But it's not just a matter of money; there's also the factor of the current squad.
The club has young players like Huijsen, Asencio, and the promising Joan Martínez, from whom they expect a lot. In addition, Militao is recovering from a major knee injury, and his performance is still an unknown. That's why Madrid doesn't have an immediate urgency, but it does have the conviction that in the summer of 2024 it will have to make moves.
A future full of promises
Real Madrid remains the great magnet for young soccer stars. Its sports project, which aims to compete for all titles in the coming seasons, attracts the best players in the world. That makes negotiations easier and raises the hopes of everyone who dreams of wearing the white jersey.
However, nothing is done yet. Signing Saliba and Konaté will be a challenge, both economically and strategically. The club must act with patience and vision, because in modern soccer, getting it right in defense can decide important titles.