Real Madrid has its eyes on Dayot Upamecano, and honestly, that shouldn’t shock anyone. According to Spanish outlet AS, the Bayern Munich defender, with his contract running down, looks like a natural target for a club that’s mastered the art of capitalizing on these kinds of market opportunities. Just think back to how David Alaba landed in Madrid, contract expiring, no transfer fee involved. Now, history might be about to repeat itself.
Upamecano heating up in Valdebebas
At 26, Upamecano has already proven his consistency in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League, enough to be seen as a ready-made option. The possibility of signing him without a transfer fee puts him in a prime spot. For Madrid, it’s a straightforward equation: top-level experience plus low cost. With a defensive rebuild high on the club’s agenda, the fit feels almost perfect.
This move also underlines a broader trend in the board’s approach. Madrid’s been chasing signings that deliver immediate impact while steering clear of big financial risks. Upamecano ticks that box, just like Ibrahima Konaté, another player still on the radar. The Liverpool defender’s situation is also becoming more realistic with his short-term contract. He’s even hinted before that he’d like to wear white someday, keeping the door open for possible talks.
The Saliba roadblock
If Konaté and Upamecano look like realistic targets, William Saliba is a different story altogether. The Arsenal center-back extended his deal in 2023 and still has two years left. On top of that, Arteta sees him as untouchable. The market values him at €80 million, but in truth, Arsenal has no reason to sell. For Real Madrid, that makes it a costly, complicated move, and one that doesn’t really match the club’s recent logic of safer bets for the back line.
This contrast makes Madrid’s strategy pretty clear: aim for elite defenders, but only when the contractual situation favors a deal. That’s how Alaba joined, and it could be how Upamecano—and maybe Konaté, arrive too. Saliba, at least for now, feels more like wishful thinking.
And let’s not ignore the obvious: all three names are French. The country’s defensive production line is booming, consistently producing center-backs with physical strength, speed, and sharp game-reading. Madrid sees that as a chance to secure a long-term backbone for the defense. The success of players like Raphaël Varane in the past only strengthens that conviction.