Real Madrid revive interest in Premier League defensive star

Originally posted on Football Espana | By Feargal Brennan | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 4:47 AM ET

Real Madrid could launch a transfer raid on the Premier League to bolster their defensive options once again in 2026.

Xabi Alonso’s clear summer focus was on improving his backline with three new faces arriving in the Spanish capital.

La Roja star Dean Huijsen joined from Bournemouth to fill a central gap as a deal was eventually agreed with Liverpool for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alvaro Carreras returned from Benfica and the trio have formed a new-look defence in the opening weeks of the 2025/26 season.

However, Alonso is concerned about the long-term with Huijsen and Eder Militao his main options at centre back, with Antonio Rudiger sidelined until December.

Real Madrid are undecided over a contract extension for the Germany international and David Alaba remains on the fringes of Alonso’s plans with his contract also up in 2026.

Raul Asencio is an option, but Alonso wants more cover, and he is tracking several Premier League targets.

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is the main name linked with a move to Madrid, as the France international continues to stall on an extension at Anfield, and Arne Slot has reportedly admitted defeat over keeping him.

Slot wants to bring in Marc Guehi as a free agent next summer, but Real Madrid are also interested in him, as an alternate to Konate.

If Alonso can secure one free agent, that will free up funds for a major offer elsewhere, and reports from Fichajes.net claim he wants Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.

Despite his own injury concerns, the Dutch international has impressed with Spurs, since joining from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023.

With Alaba expected to leave, and major doubts over Rudiger’s continuation, that will bring Real Madrid to the negotiating table but Tottenham could demand in the region of €80m for the 24-year-old.

Los Blancos will not pay that figure even with the savings of a free swoop for Konate or Guehi.

This article first appeared on Football Espana and was syndicated with permission.

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