Dean Huijsen is Real Madrid's big bet to strengthen its defense in the near future. Considered the star signing in that area, the young center-back has caused high expectations within the club and among fans. However, with the pressure from the market and the offers coming in, the situation is getting complicated and Madrid might have to reconsider how to protect this promising gem.
Madrid's signing slips away
Ibrahima Konaté's signing has become a true battle between two giants: PSG and Real Madrid. The French club, led by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, has made an offer of around €60 million ($65 million). This figure far eclipses the €25 million ($27 million) that Madrid was willing to pay.
Madrid saw Konaté as the ideal partner for Dean Huijsen, its young defensive prospect, aiming to form a solid, generational duo. This difference in the offer shows that PSG is willing to invest heavily in one of the best young defenders. Tension is rising and Madrid's board must make a crucial decision.
Konaté, the desired reinforcement for the white defense
After some matches in which Real Madrid's defense showed weaknesses, Konaté has emerged as the ideal candidate to strengthen the backline. Xabi Alonso, the new coach, wants a solid wall to prevent costly mistakes. The arrival of the Frenchman would send a message that Madrid is betting on youth and talent to rebuild its defense.
However, Liverpool is also aware of the interest and doesn't want to lose him for free in 2026. That's why, now that PSG has put a concrete offer on the table, the English seem more open to negotiating this summer.
Florentino and the fair price dilemma
For Florentino Pérez, the situation is delicate; the Madrid president has always defended a prudent and responsible signing policy. However, PSG's offer puts him in a bind. Accepting to pay more would mean breaking with that philosophy and risking the club's financial stability.
On the other hand, missing this opportunity could be a hard blow for the defense and a sign of weakness in the market. The decision affects not only the finances but also the image and long-term strategy of Real Madrid.
Who will win this battle?
The month of August will be decisive; Real Madrid has to decide quickly. Keeping firm and waiting until 2026, when Konaté could leave for free, is an option. However, it also runs the risk of losing a player who could be key in the coming years.
Meanwhile, PSG has shown that it has no problem spending to secure the signing. This fight goes beyond money: it's a clash between two ways of understanding soccer and sports management. Will Madrid give in or will it be able to face the Parisian offensive? The outcome remains to be seen, but it's already clear that the transfer market has heated up much more.