Real Madrid has begun preparing for the 2026 summer transfer window and is interested in three well-known free agents: Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to an update from Fichajes.
Under the direction of new manager Xabi Alonso and club president Florentino Perez, this progressive approach is being developed. The goal is to get elite players without incurring excessive transfer fees. The present contracts of all three players end in 2026; therefore, Madrid wants to be prepared in case negotiations with their clubs fail to move further.
Konate of Liverpool is at the top of the shortlist. Xabi Alonso holds the French center-back in high regard for his power, speed, and tactical knowledge.
The club no longer plans to use David Alaba or Antonio Rudiger, so signing someone like Konate would provide Madrid with much-needed depth and stability at the back. When his contract expires at age 26, he will also be at the height of his abilities.
Upamecano, another French defender, is also under intense observation. Despite his share of injury setbacks, the Bayern Munich center-back is still among Europe’s best defenders when healthy.
Real Madrid wants to sign them for free in 2026
Quinten Timber is another player Real Madrid is interested in signing when he becomes a free agent in 2026. One of the most impressive players in the Eredivisie lately, the midfielder fits the description that Xabi Alonso has asked for to finish the Santiago Bernabéu’s midfield.
Real Madrid still has their sights set on England in order to add Ethan Nwaneri to their roster of potential players with a letter of release.
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s name is the most surprising one on the list. The Italian goalie won several medals during his stellar season with PSG, but his future in Paris is uncertain.
Given that Lucas Chevalier is expected to succeed him, Donnarumma could be enticed by a fresh challenge. Given that Thibaut Courtois will be older than 34 by then, Madrid sees him as the ideal successor.
It would be a huge triumph for Real Madrid if they could acquire these players for nothing, adding elite talent to the team without having to pay any transfer costs.
