Real Madrid transfer news: Los Blancos eyeing Liverpool star as one of 'first two' targets of 2026

Real Madrid have reportedly earmarked Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as one of their first two signings of 2026. 

Los Blancos experienced an active summer transfer window ahead of Xabi Alonso's first season in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout.

Real Madrid strengthened their defence with the signings of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras, while they also recruited 18-year-old attacker Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.

The window only slammed shut on September 1, but Real Madrid's recruitment team are already drawing up plans for next year's transfer business. 

Real Madrid targeting Konate swoop in 2026

According to El Chiringuito de Jugones, via Fichajes, Real Madrid are eyeing Liverpool's Konate and Como's Nico Paz as their first two targets of 2026. 

Los Blancos are seemingly keen to officially sign the pair next summer, but they want to secure deals for the duo before the end of the current year. 

Real Madrid sense an opportunity to sign Konate on a free transfer, with his Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of the season. 

Konate has joked that his France teammate and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe is trying to convince him to join Alonso's side in 2026. 

Alonso has given his approval to Konate's signing, as Los Blancos look to sign a central defender amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of two of their experienced centre-backs.

Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are both out of contract at the end of the season, and while the latter is widely expected to depart, it remains to be seen whether the former will follow suit.

Paz likely to return to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are also keen to bring Paz back to the Santiago Bernabeu in the future, and it seems that his return could take place in 2026. 

Paz completed a permanent move to Italian side Como last summer, but Real Madrid made sure to include a buyback clause in the transfer arrangement. 

Los Blancos opted against activating the clause in the recent window after deciding that it was best for Paz to continue his development under Como boss Cesc Fabregas.

However, Real Madrid are wary of interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, which is part of the reason why they are looking to re-sign a player who has shown plenty of promise at Como.

The attacking midfielder has made 38 competitive appearances during his time in Italy, scoring seven goals and contributing 10 assists.