Real Madrid draw up shortlist of three free agents for 2026 revamp – report | OneFootball

According to an update from Fichajes, it has come to light that Real Madrid have started planning for the 2026 summer transfer window and are eyeing three high-profile players free agents, namely, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

This forward-thinking strategy is being shaped under the influence of club president Florentino Perez and incoming manager Xabi Alonso.

The idea is to secure top talent without spending a fortune on transfer fees. Since all three players’ current contracts expire in 2026, Madrid want to be ready if renewal talks with their clubs stall.

High-profile targets on radar

Leading the shortlist is Liverpool’s Konate. The French centre-back is admired for his strength, pace, and tactical awareness, qualities Xabi Alonso values highly.

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba no longer in the club’s future plans, adding someone like Konate would give Madrid much-needed depth and reliability at the back. At 26, he would also be hitting his peak when his contract runs out.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Another French defender, Upamecano, is also being closely monitored. The Bayern Munich centre-back has had his share of injury setbacks, but when fully fit, he remains one of the top defenders in Europe.

By 2026, he will be 27 and still capable of performing at the highest level. Madrid see him as a strong option for rotation or possibly even to challenge for a starting spot.

The most unexpected name on the list is Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper had a standout season with PSG, winning multiple trophies, but his long-term future in Paris is not guaranteed.

With Lucas Chevalier being lined up as his successor, Donnarumma could be tempted by a new challenge. Madrid view him as the perfect heir to Thibaut Courtois, who will be over 34 by then.

If Real Madrid manage to land these players for free, it would be a major success, strengthening the squad with top-tier talent without spending a single euro on transfer fees.