Journalist Santi Ona revealed that Real Madrid has likely lost out on its primary target to bolster its central defense in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Royal Club is searching for a new center-back given the expected departures of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba next year, coupled with Éder Militão’s recurring injuries and their impact on his consistent presence in the team.
The duo of Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano were Real Madrid’s initial targets, before the club abandoned its pursuit of the Liverpool star following a significant drop in his form.
According to the latest report, Bayern Munich has nearly finalized an agreement with Upamecano to renew his contract, and the player is now closer than ever to remaining at the Allianz Arena.
The only point of contention between the French defender and the Bavarian club is Upamecano’s desire for a release clause that activates immediately in the summer of 2026, while the German club refuses and wants it to be activated starting in the summer of 2027.
Negotiations are currently underway between Upamecano and Bayern regarding this clause, and it seems likely that it will not hinder the renewal, especially since Vincent Kompany is determined to keep the former Leipzig star in his squad next season at all costs.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are watching the situation closely, hoping that the negotiations will fail so they can then try to sign the player again, but this scenario seems highly unlikely.
It remains unknown which option Real Madrid will pursue to strengthen their central defense next summer, but it is certain that the Merengues’ management will work on at least two signings to address the obvious gap in the Bernabéu’s defense.
