According to Marca, Real Madrid already has several targets in mind for next summer. This is due to the current contract situations of those players. Among them is Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, whose deal with the club is set to expire then.
Real Madrid have already made significant moves in the transfer market ahead of the new season, securing the signings of Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. In total, the club has invested around €115 million in these three players, underlining its commitment to refreshing and strengthening the squad with a long-term vision.
The case of Alexander-Arnold was particularly noteworthy. Although the English international was due to become a free agent at the end of June, Real Madrid opted to pay €10 million to Liverpool in order to bring him in early and register him in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. It was a strategic move, ensuring that one of their key new additions would be available for an important competition from day one.
While Madrid’s focus remains on finalizing preparations for the 2025/26 campaign, the club’s management is already looking ahead to the summer of 2026. Planning with foresight has become a hallmark of Florentino Pérez’s administration, and with Financial Fair Play restrictions tightening and transfer inflation continuing to grow, the free-agent market is seen as a crucial battlefield. Real Madrid’s recent history confirms the success of this approach stars like David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Kylian Mbappé all joined the club on free transfers, freeing up resources for salaries and bonuses.
At the top of the list for 2026 is Ibrahima Konaté. The French centre-back, currently at Liverpool, has a contract that expires in June 2026. So far, he has not shown signs of committing to an extension, and Madrid are watching closely. Konaté is 25 and already proven at the highest level. His profile fast, strong, and technically solid fits perfectly with what Madrid are looking for to reinforce their central defense. With Alaba and Rüdiger likely to be in the twilight of their careers by then, and Militão coming off a heavy stretch of seasons, Konaté would bring youth and balance. If he reaches January 2026 without renewing, Real Madrid would be free to negotiate directly and secure a top-tier defender for no transfer fee.
Another intriguing name on Real Madrid’s radar is Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old midfielder from Arsenal is a product of the club’s academy and has already made waves with his performances in youth competitions. He stood out particularly in the UEFA Youth League, where his Arsenal side knocked out Real Madrid’s youth team. A technically gifted, left-footed midfielder, Lewis-Skelly is seen as someone with immense potential. His contract is also set to expire in 2026, and while Arsenal are working to secure his future, Madrid are quietly monitoring developments. The project offered in Madrid is compelling: to follow the path of Jude Bellingham, develop within a world-class structure, and grow alongside a midfield already filled with young stars like Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Güler.
Closer to home, Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia is also on Madrid’s wishlist. The 20-year-old centre-back has had a breakout season and is currently representing Spain at the U21 European Championship. Born in Spain to Colombian parents, Mosquera has become a key figure in Valencia’s defense and is attracting attention from top clubs. His contract, like Konaté’s and Lewis-Skelly’s, also ends in 2026. Real Madrid are following his progress closely, considering him both as a long-term asset and as a player who would help meet homegrown player quotas for UEFA competitions.
The strategy behind targeting these three players is clear: they are all talented, under 27, and available at zero transfer cost in a year’s time. Konaté would be expected to contribute immediately to the starting lineup. Lewis-Skelly would be an investment in the future of the midfield. Mosquera would offer depth in central defense and fulfill important squad registration criteria. Instead of paying inflated fees in today’s transfer market, Madrid are choosing to be patient and plan ahead, trusting that the appeal of the club and its project will persuade players to join once they’re free to negotiate.
Of course, there is always a risk involved in waiting. Liverpool could eventually convince Konaté to renew. Arsenal may offer Lewis-Skelly a lucrative deal to keep him in London. Valencia might accept a bid for Mosquera next summer if they feel renewal talks are going nowhere. But history is on Real Madrid’s side they have successfully waited out similar situations with other top players. The lure of playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, challenging for trophies every season, and being part of a long-term project continues to carry enormous weight.
For now, the plan is to stay patient. The club will continue monitoring each player’s situation, maintaining contact with their representatives, and preparing for decisive moves when the time is right. Whether through pre-contract agreements in January 2026 or early deals like the one that brought Alexander-Arnold to Madrid this summer, Real are positioning themselves to once again win big in the free-agent market.
