It is well-established at this point that Real Madrid will go after a new central defender in the summer of 2026.
David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger’s fitness concerns and age make it unlikely that their contracts, expiring at the end of the season, will be extended, opening up gaps in the defensive unit.
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool, who will also see his contract run down, has been a top target, although his recent form has raised some concerns.
As such, Real Madrid seem to be keeping an eye on alternatives, with another Premier League defender catching their attention.
Real Madrid in the hunt for Marc Guehi
Indeed, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Real Madrid are very much in the race to sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi in the summer of 2026.
Guehi, much like Konate, will be a free agent next year, with his contract at Selhurst Park set to expire and there being no intention from his side to renew.
Marc Guehi, a target for Real Madrid
Man in demand. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
The England defender almost left the club last summer to sign for Liverpool, but the transfer ended up collapsing on deadline day.
However, as per the report, Liverpool remain seriously involved in pursuit of Guehi for next summer, as do Real Madrid’s arch-rivals FC Barcelona.
Meanwhile, German champions Bayern Munich are also understood to be interested in the former Chelsea star, although any move from them will depend on the futures of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.
For now, what seems clear is that Guehi will leave Crystal Palace in the summer and he has no shortage of top suitors for him. Whether Real Madrid push for the Englishman or opt to go with Konate will be interesting to see.