Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid have deprioritised Ibrahima Konaté and are now targeting Dayot Upamecano for defensive reinforcement next summer
- Bayern Munich are striving to persuade Upamecano to sign a new contract, while Real Madrid are prepared to meet his €20 million signing bonus demand
- Liverpool are reportedly in the market for a central defender, with both Upamecano and Marc Guehi linked to potential transfers
Transfer Strategy at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid are no longer prioritising the signing of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté as they look to boost their defensive options for next summer. Instead, the Spanish giants have set their sights on Dayot Upamecano, the Bayern Munich defender and French international.
Upamecano, whose contract is also approaching its expiry, has become the primary target at the Santiago Bernabéu. Reports suggest that Real Madrid are prepared to offer the player a €20 million signing bonus, meeting the financial terms he is seeking.
🚨 BREAKING: Dayot Upamecano has now OVERTAKEN Ibrahima Konate on Real Madrid's list of CB targets.
The club are aware of the stalled negotiations between Bayern and the player and are ready to offer a €20m signing fee for the player. @La_SER pic.twitter.com/6zrJMdxJ9h
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) October 14, 2025
Upamecano’s Contract Situation and Bayern’s Stance
Bayern Munich are currently doing all they can to persuade Upamecano to sign an extension to his deal. However, if Real Madrid’s interest and willingness to meet his demands prove true, reaching an agreement to retain the defender could become an uphill task for the Bundesliga club.
| Player | Current Club | Contract Status | Linked Club(s) | Reported Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool | Expiring | Real Madrid (no longer priority) | – |
| Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich | Expiring | Real Madrid | €20 million |
| Marc Guehi | Crystal Palace | Expiring | Liverpool, Real Madrid | – |
Liverpool’s Defensive Plans
Konaté has been on Real Madrid’s radar since the conclusion of last season, with Madrid-based sources previously reporting that his wish to join the Spanish club was a factor in his hesitation to renew at Liverpool. However, a sharp dip in the defender’s form since the beginning of the current campaign appears to have cooled Real Madrid’s interest.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who are actively searching for reinforcements at centre-back, have themselves been linked with Dayot Upamecano in recent weeks. Upamecano is not the only option being considered, as Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain, remains under scrutiny for a possible transfer. Guehi’s name has also surfaced in connection with Real Madrid.
Other Defensive Considerations
Marc Guehi came close to a move to Liverpool and is still being monitored by the current champions. The Crystal Palace captain continues to attract transfer interest, with both Liverpool and Real Madrid reportedly considering him as a potential addition to their squads.
