In Xabi Alonso's new Real Madrid, there's no room for sentimentality. The Basque coach has called for a total revolution in the backline and already has specific names for his project.
The cycle is over for Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, and company. There's only room for those who look to the future.
Xabi wants a modern, physical, fast, and technical defense. He wants it now. The white club has decided to give him full authority, and Florentino Pérez, as always, is making moves quietly.
In Valdebebas, nothing is left to chance, and the operations that will transform the merengue defense are already underway.
The plan is to sign young talent, but already proven at the elite level. No stopgaps. No second choices.
For that, the president has activated an old desire of the club: a center-back they've liked for a long time and who could now arrive for an affordable amount.
Konaté enters the scene
This is Ibrahima Konaté. The French center-back from Liverpool is once again making headlines, and this time there are reasons to believe he could be the big signing of the summer.
His contract ends in 2026, but Real Madrid has done its calculations. If Liverpool agrees to negotiate, he could arrive this very summer for a very reasonable fee.
At the white club, they question the need to pay more than €25 million for a defender who would arrive on a free transfer in a year. The competition is also keeping a close eye on him. In Europe, there aren't many center-backs with his profile.
Real Madrid knows it can count on the player at zero cost next summer. Because Konaté won't accept the contract renewal Liverpool is offering him.
It's also willing to pay up to €25 million. That would be if Liverpool allows its center-back to join Bernabéu before his contract ends.
Konaté fits perfectly into Xabi Alonso's play style. Imposing physique, good ball distribution, and experience at the highest level.
He's the perfect complement for the young Dean Huijsen, who has more than earned his place after his loan at Roma. The partnership is underway.
Huijsen will have a superstar partner
In the new defense Xabi Alonso is designing, Dean Huijsen will be a key piece. The coach considers him one of the great gems of the future and wants him to be the new leader of the white defense. He won't be alone.
By his side, Real Madrid is planning a dream defensive line: Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, Carreras on the left, and Konaté as center-back. A completely renewed back four with a future.
In that equation, there's no longer room for names like Dani Carvajal, Rüdiger, Militao, Alaba, Fran García, or Mendy. The club is already working on their departures or reducing their minutes. Only Huijsen has the status of non-transferable for Xabi Alonso.
The future is already here
The new Real Madrid starts with the defense. With Trent and Carreras already signed and Konaté on the radar, Florentino Pérez shows he's serious about his commitment to renewal.
The team of the future is starting to take shape. Everything suggests it'll be more superstar than many thought.