The three-way deal that could benefit Real Madrid with another signing

Although Real Madrid didn't make any further signings after the acquisition of Álvaro Carreras, the executives led by Florentino Pérez kept scouting the transfer market. They had several targets prepared and considered for the summer 2026 window, such as Ibrahima Konaté.

The signing of the French footballer from Liverpool, as a free agent, is a deal that has progressed significantly in recent months. The red number "5" has reportedly refused outright to extend his stay at Anfield Road, in addition to rejecting any approaches from otherclubs outside the Old Continent.

That attitude is very much appreciated by the top brass led by Florentino Pérez, but the signing hasn't been finalized yet. Peace of mind regarding Ibrahima Konaté will begin to settle starting in January 2026, when the player could sign a pre-contract binding him to the Merengue club.

Until then, the scouts led by Juni Calafat will be keeping an eye on the future of another player who could end up in Santiago Bernabéu locker room: center-back Marc Guéhi. The white sporting management had considered signing him to strengthen the first team's defense... until Ibrahima Konaté, as a free agent, emerged as the best available option for summer 2026.

Between two waters

The Crystal Palace center-back, despite the interest from Real Madrid and other top European clubs, had chosen Liverpool as his next team. The deal was valued at €50 million, but some last-minute issues canceled the entire process. Now Guéhi is unsure which club to choose to continue his career.

Because the higher-ups at Selhurst Park have given their approval to his request to leave the glazier sports project at the end of this very season. Liverpool and RealMadrid remain candidates to secure his footballing services, but the emergence of Chelsea has complicated everything.

The top brass led by Todd Boehly are entering the race to sign the Ivorian defender as a free agent, since his contract with Crystal Palace ends in 2026. As things stand, Real Madrid are handling two free agent signings for the defense: Ibrahima Konaté or Marc Guéhi himself.

That's why the executives led by Florentino Pérez will be alert to any changes in both transfers. Aware that they'll come out on top in one of these deals, the white board is letting time pass, ready to step in for the signing that chooses them as its next footballing destination.