Two world-class center backs at zero cost: Real Madrid's plan

Dean Huijsen's signing was one of the best that Real Madrid made during the last summer transfer window. However, this hasn't been enough for the plans that the team currently has. Looking ahead to next season, according to Defensa Central, Real Madrid would finalize the departures of Alaba and Rüdiger to sign Konaté.

The Liverpool player was on the club's radar throughout the summer transfer window. His rejection of contract renewal offers from the British squad made his desire to leave clear. However, the player has stayed at the club for what is his final season, and he could leave as a free agent next summer.

This is a similar situation to that of Alaba and Rüdiger, whose contracts also end in the summer of 2026. The Austrian center-back, due to his decline in performance, is a certain departure for Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Rüdiger remains a vital player for the backline, but his age is a factor that has been taken into account.

Defense renewal

Signed in 2021 from Bayern Munich, David Alaba had an immediate impact at Real Madrid. Replacing the great Sergio Ramos, the Austrian managed to live up to the team's expectations. However, injuries have significantly affected a performance that is far from the standard that Real Madrid keeps.

At 33 years old, and being one of the club's highest-paid players, his departure next summer is a certainty. Meanwhile, Antonio Rüdiger's departure would help with the renewal of the Merengue backline. Although the 4,539 minutes he played last season show his importance, the club hasn't taken steps to renew his contract.

Even though the main goal of these two departures is to sign Konaté, the Frenchman's exit from Liverpool won't be easy. With Trent's signing still recent, the English club isn't interested in allowing another of its stars to leave as a free agent. However, after the summer, everything indicates that the 26-year-old center-back will become a Merengue.

A vital signing

At 26 years old, Konaté fits perfectly into the profile that Real Madrid needs so much. A solid, young, and experienced center-back who will help the backline make a qualitative leap. With Konaté's presence, Madrid would finally manage to consolidate the present and future of the backline with Huijsen, Militao, Konaté, and Raúl Asencio.