A few weeks before the summer transfer window opens, Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid are actively working on their shopping list. According to Diario AS, the Madrid management is targeting a specific trio of centre-backs for next season.
Unlike previous transfer windows, Real Madrid no longer has any urgent needs in attack. With Kylian Mbappé and young Endrick joining Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, and Brahim Diaz, the Madrid attack is strong enough to take on any defence. To strengthen the squad and truly compete on all fronts in the coming seasons, the team needs reinforcements in midfield and, above all, in defence. Regarding the defence, which has been one of the key weaknesses this season, Florentino Pérez already has a plan.
The centre-back trio targeted for 2026
Aside from the almost completed signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold as a right-back, Real Madrid is looking to part ways with ageing centre-backs. With one year left on their contracts, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba no longer fit into the club’s long-term project. To prepare for their departures, the management intends to sign Dean Huijsen (19), a highly sought-after Spanish international in the European market in recent weeks.
With Éder Militão (26), who is under contract until June 2028, and Raúl Asencio (22), the revelation of the season for Madrid, Florentino Pérez believes he will have provided the essential elements for the coaching staff in central defence. Just after the March FIFA international break, Iberian media unanimously reported that Huijsen (1.95m), currently playing for Bournemouth and with a €50 million release clause, is very likely to sign for Florentino Pérez this summer. Despite competition from other top European clubs, Real Madrid is reportedly the young Dutch player’s priority.
If this signing goes through, the Madrid squad would have two young, talented centre-backs with solid experience alongside Brazilian Éder Militão. Despite suffering his second major injury in two years (a cruciate ligament rupture), Militão remains a key part of the club’s plans due to his young age.
Rüdiger and Alaba on their way out this summer?
Back in action since January, David Alaba (33) is unlikely to receive a contract extension at Madrid. If he chooses to see out his contract until June 2026, he will have to settle for a secondary role. However, if he wishes to make the most of the remaining years of his professional career, the Austrian defender will need to find a new club this summer.
As for Rüdiger, who is also 33, Real Madrid will not push him out forcefully. A key figure in Madrid’s defence for the past two seasons, the German rock remains valuable despite showing signs of fatigue. However, if Huijsen arrives and Militão returns in good form, Rüdiger may see his playing time reduced. For now, the German can only hope for a one-year contract extension, but he will have to accept a lesser role. In any case, given the demanding calendar and injury risks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the former Chelsea man extend his stay—provided he is willing to let younger players take centre stage.
For several months now, Real Madrid has been prioritising young talent. In the upcoming transfer window, the club will stay vigilant and ready to pounce on promising young players in Europe. With Florentino Pérez keen to trim the squad and make room for youth, the departures of other veterans, such as Lucas Vázquez, should be expected. Dani Carvajal will likely see out his final contract year (until June 2026) before making way for Alexander-Arnold. If Zubimendi or another midfielder arrives, Luka Modric could also leave this summer, as he is at the end of his contract.
Leave a Reply