Real Madrid has found zero-cost signings to be a strategic tool that has revolutionized its sports policy. What used to be an exception is now a consolidated formula. For 2026, Florentino has planned a string of signings.
The white club's president has managed to sign top stars without paying a single euro in transfer fees: Alaba, Rüdiger, Mbappé, and Alexander-Arnold are examples of this.
This model, besides being profitable, allows for medium- and long-term planning. That is exactly what the white club is doing looking ahead to 2026: up to three new free signings are in its sights.
All of them are top-level stars, with experience, a proven track record, and a hunger for titles.
2026, the date marked in red
From the presidential office at Bernabéu, work is already underway in silence with initial contacts to secure signings for the summer of 2026.
Players whose contracts will end in June of that year and who could arrive on a free transfer. Always, if the club accelerates at the right moment and entices with its project.
The goal is not only to sign talent, but also to send a clear message to the market: Madrid doesn't pay more than what it considers fair. If it has to wait for contracts to expire, it waits.
This already worked with Mbappé. Everything suggests it will be repeated next season with at least three stars who are on the white club's radar.
Rodri, the only exception: no more than 100 million
But not all signings will be free. Florentino has one name marked in red that he doesn't want to let slip away: Rodrigo Hernández, Manchester City's midfielder and current Ballon d'Or winner. The Spanish international's contract ends in 2027, but in 2026 he will be just 12 months away from freedom.
That's where Madrid's plan comes in: try to sign him for 100 million, a figure well below his real value, which far exceeds 130. Rodri is liked for his silent leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to command the midfield. He would be Kroos's natural heir, but with more physicality and range.
The player is open to a return to Spain, and if Guardiola gives the green light, the deal could be unlocked in a matter of weeks. Madrid has already sounded out the footballer's entourage in the past and the willingness exists. Money won't be a problem.
The future is written today
While others improvise, Real Madrid plans. It does so with a formula that has produced great results and allows it to compete with strength without losing financial balance. The club has already warned its closest circle: next summer will be busy, but 2026 will be even more revolutionary.
Florentino Pérez is building a new winning cycle, without mortgaging the future. It all starts with a magic word: free.
The winning formula
According to Fichajes.net, the names that Real Madrid has on its radar for 2026 are: Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. All three are liked, convince the coaching staff, and fit into the club's future project.
Konaté and Upamecano are old acquaintances on the white club's radar. Both are liked for their youth, dominant physicality, and international experience.
In addition, they would fit perfectly in the center of defense alongside Militao, Huijsen, and Asencio. Meanwhile, Donnarumma would arrive to replace Lunin and with the idea of being Courtois's heir.
All three will see their contracts expire that summer and don't plan to renew. Madrid is ready to get ahead of the rest and secure their signings, without needing to fight with clubs or negotiate clauses.
The names of Konaté, Upamecano, and Donnarumma could define an era. If you add a strategic signing like Rodri, the new backbone would be ready to dominate Europe for a decade.
It's the president's master plan. It's already underway.