Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Real Madrid appear to be closing in on their preferred centre-back partnership for the start of the 2026/27 season, with Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate emerging as the leading candidates under Jose Mourinho.
According to MARCA, the two defenders have moved ahead in the battle for starting places during pre-season.
Konate has arrived from Liverpool determined to establish himself immediately, while Huijsen has continued to build momentum after a series of encouraging performances.
As things stand, the pair look well-placed to begin the campaign together.
Konate’s clear objective at Real Madrid
Ibrahima Konate did not join Real Madrid to settle for a place on the bench.
After a difficult final season at Liverpool, the French defender has arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with a point to prove.
He wants to compete directly for a starting role and offer Mourinho a more reliable presence at the back.
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Dean Huijsen has won over Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The Frenchman’s biggest strength is that his physical profile gives Real Madrid something different in defence, particularly in duels and situations where the back line needs greater power and authority.
That could prove valuable for a team looking to find more stability after periods of inconsistency last season.
Whether he can turn that potential into a permanent place remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest Mourinho sees him as a serious candidate rather than simply another squad option.
Alongside him, Huijsen offers a very different profile.
The young defender is more comfortable progressing the ball and has shown the confidence to play through pressure.
While Konate brings physical dominance, Huijsen’s strengths lie more in his composure and ability in possession, a contrast that explains why Mourinho sees the partnership as an attractive option.
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The defender, who has taken the No. 4 shirt previously worn by his idol Sergio Ramos, has already made an encouraging start in the jersey.
He impressed during the Teresa Herrera Trophy, helping Real Madrid keep a clean sheet, before following that performance with another solid display against Schalke.
This time, he also made an impact at the other end by scoring with a header.
Notably, his rise has also increased the pressure on Antonio Rudiger.
The experienced German has had opportunities during pre-season but, according to the report, has not yet reached his best level. That has left him trailing behind Huijsen and Konate in the current battle for places.
Rudiger’s experience and leadership remain important to the squad, but based on pre-season form, it appears that he has work to do to regain a place in Mourinho’s strongest starting XI.
Real Madrid planning major renewal for 23-year-old superstar after Vinicius extension
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
After months of deliberations, negotiations and back and forth, Real Madrid finally managed to get Vinicius Junior to agree to a new contract at the club.
The Brazilian was linked with a potential exit this summer, with Arsenal touted as a possible destination, but Los Blancos eventually improved their offer and convinced him.
Now, according to Abraham Romero on Defensa Central, Real Madrid are preparing to turn their attention to Jude Bellingham’s contract situation, with the club keen to reward the England international and place him on a salary level similar to Vinicius.
Bellingham could match Vinicius financially
Bellingham is next in line for renewal talks after Real Madrid resolved Vinicius’ future, with the club viewing the 23-year-old as one of the central figures of the project both on and off the pitch.
The club value him very highly internally and want to be proactive in renewing his contract with a salary that justifies his stature.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
Next in line for a renewal. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The midfielder’s current contract runs until 2029, so the Merengues are not under immediate pressure. Even so, the club want to avoid allowing another major contract situation to drift.
Bellingham’s importance goes far beyond performances.
Romero stressed that the England star is one of the most commercially valuable players in the squad and features heavily in the club’s promotional campaigns.
He added that while Bellingham may not necessarily sell the most shirts, he is considered one of the players who best embodies Real Madrid’s image, particularly in fashion and lifestyle campaigns.
Real Madrid confident despite Premier League interest
Being English, Bellingham is always going to be subject to Premier League links throughout his career.
Several English clubs were interested in the 23-year-old before his move to Madrid, and that situation is unlikely to change.
Even Bellingham could harbour dreams of returning to his home country at some point in his career and playing for one of the top clubs there.
Jude Bellingham #10 of England
An untouchable for Mourinho. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
However, Los Blancos remain optimistic about getting him to agree to a new contract at this stage of his career.
Bellingham now gets the opportunity to work with a historic manager like Jose Mourinho, who is likely to make him pivotal to his plans this season.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is expected to start behind Kylian Mbappe and be one of the guaranteed starters for Mourinho.
Having returned to full team training a few days ago, Bellingham will be raring to go when Madrid begin their La Liga campaign against Espanyol next weekend.
It remains to be seen how contract negotiations with him transpire and whether Real Madrid manage to wrap them up much more quickly than they did with Vinicius.