Madrid’s Secret Play: Free‑Agent Defender Duel Heads to Bernabéu
5 November 2025
Madrid shifts focus from Konaté to Upamecano
A French report circulated on Wednesday claiming Real Madrid has settled on a defensive signing for the upcoming summer, sparking a fierce three‑way chase among Europe’s top clubs for two prominent French defenders.
Initially, Madrid identified Ibrahim Konaté of Liverpool as its top target, particularly with captains contracts nearing expiry for David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, creating openings to reinforce the back line without paying a fortune.
Konaté’s deal with Liverpool runs to next summer, making him an attractive option for a club seeking international experience without a hefty transfer fee.
The French center‑back helped Liverpool defeat Real Madrid 1‑0 at Anfield in the Champions League, drawing attention for a solid defensive performance.
But Foot Mercato reported that the pursuit is not straightforward: Liverpool is determined to keep Konaté and is prepared to offer a substantial extension.
Madrid then pivoted toward Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich, whose contract also expires at season’s end.
The French defender’s recent display against Paris Saint‑Germain did not single‑handedly win Madrid over, but Perez and the scouting staff had long tracked him as a leading back‑line option for the Bernabéu.
Upamecano’s deal with Bayern runs until June, with no new agreement yet, despite Bayern’s wish to retain him.
Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, publicly praised Upamecano’s growth and emphasized the club’s efforts to secure a fresh contract, while adding that he remains an elite defender.
But Sky Germany reported that talks face bumps from salary demands—claims of a roughly 17 million euro renewal bonus combined with a giant wage—clashing with Bayern’s budget discipline.
Inside Bayern there are voices resisting the excessive demands, even if it means losing the player for free next summer.
Madrid is watching and is ready to move, seeing a free transfer as a decisive economic and sporting win to refresh the defense.
Other clubs, including Paris Saint‑Germain and Liverpool, are also monitoring, with PSG reportedly admiring Konaté and Liverpool weighing Upamecano as a contingency should Konaté depart.
There are even rumors of Barcelona showing interest in Konaté, heating up the competition among Europe’s giants.
Across the board, Upamecano’s future remains open, with Bayern keen to extend while Madrid and Liverpool consider options.
As the window closes in on the summer, Real Madrid could benefit most from a smart, cost‑neutral rebuild of the back line.
Conclusion: The summer saga promises a dramatic race among Europe's giants; expect more twists before the ball is kicked.
Punchlines: If transfers were dating apps, Madrid would swipe right on a French defender who costs nothing in fees. And if defense were a stand‑up routine, tonight’s headline would be: “Backline: free to play, and free for a change.”
