Real Madrid eye Konate and Dumfries amid election talk
Anniversary of Santiago Bernabéu’s death, the president who built the stadium and oversaw six European Cups and 16 leagues, transforming Real Madrid into a global institution.
Jose Mourinho will decide Raul Asencio’s future. The academy centre-back could stay as backup, with Madrid pursuing a marquee defender amid doubts over Huijsen, Militao and Alaba’s exit.
Iker Casillas rebuffs criticism over his election comments and Mourinho talk, stating: ‘I don't need many lessons on being a Real Madrid fan’ and that he ‘votes for Real Madrid’.
Florentino Pérez defends Madrid, calling it ‘ridiculous’ to expect a Champions League every year, noting six in 10 years, after a second straight trophyless season and calls for change.
Federico Valverde wins UEFA Champions League Goal of the Season for his volley vs Man City, adding to Arda Güler’s Young Player of the Season recognition.
Madrid are set to bid for Inter’s Denzel Dumfries, aware of his €25m clause. A move is eyed to fix left-back amid doubts over Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy’s fitness.
El Chiringuito claim Madrid will sign Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate on a free if Florentino Perez wins the election, with contacts resumed amid Saudi interest. He would bolster centre-back alongside Militao.
Madrid track four centre-backs: free agent Ibrahima Konate, Nico Schlotterbeck with a €50m clause, Josko Gvardiol, and Alessandro Bastoni priced at €60-70m, with two signings possible.
Watkins defends Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, backing his maturity and quality to lead England at the World Cup this summer.
Chelsea will not block Marc Cucurella’s exit if valued, with Madrid and Barcelona interested. Reports also claim Madrid may owe up to £13m to hire Jose Mourinho from Benfica.
Long-sleeve version of Madrid’s pink 26-27 third kit leaks, offering fans an early look at next season’s alternative strip.
Manchester United are weighing an €80m bid for Aurélien Tchouaméni after tensions with Federico Valverde, but Florentino Pérez insists the midfielder will remain at Madrid.
Presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme plans a marquee move for Erling Haaland to lead Madrid’s attack if elected, despite coexistence questions with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Arsenal monitor Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic after talks with his camp, but the 18-year-old says he dreams of playing for Real Madrid and would also accept Barcelona.
Mourinho outlines six signings for Madrid: 1-2 centre-backs, right-back, left-back, a playmaker and a holding midfielder. He wants ‘no egos’. Konate is floated to partner Rudiger, with full-back depth key.
Madrid miss out on 14-year-old Girona midfielder Enzo Perez, who opts for Barcelona due to past ties and family reasons, despite interest from Madrid and Manchester City.
Linked with Madrid, Rodri says he will delay any decision on his Man City future until after the 2026 World Cup, aiming to avoid distractions despite entering his contract’s final year.
Enzo Fernandez is keen on Madrid, but Chelsea would want around €138m. Madrid prefer nearer €100m plus bonuses or a player in exchange. His stance could shape talks amid Chelsea’s lack of Europe.
