Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi are among the top names on Real Madrid’s wishlist. Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is being pursued by AC Milan, Juventus, and Manchester United. Stay tuned for the latest in transfer news and rumors from around the world.
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TOP STORIES
– Isak: No communication with Howe since leaving Newcastle
– USWNT forward Sears signs new contract with Racing Louisville
– Barcelona looking to mend ties with UEFA
TRENDING RUMORS
– Real Madrid has their eyes on Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi as they seek a center back on a free transfer this summer, according to reports from AS. This decision comes as Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are set to have their contracts expire at the season’s end. Furthermore, Real Madrid may also consider promoting 18-year-old Castilla player Joan Martínez, seen as a centerpiece for the future.
– Several clubs, including AC Milan, Juventus, and Manchester United, are keen to acquire Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, per Calciomercato. Juventus appears particularly eager to make a move, potentially as early as January, seeking to instill an “Italian soul” in their lineup through Tonali, whose current salary at Newcastle would rank among the highest in Serie A.
– Bayern Munich is reportedly eyeing Nottingham Forest center back Murillo, although the 23-year-old’s €55m price tag means that the Bavarians would need to offload some players before making a move. Previously, Real Madrid attempted to sign Murillo during an injury to Éder Militão, and Chelsea is also keeping tabs on him. Murillo’s contract runs through 2029 with no release clause.
– Napoli has expressed interest in acquiring Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on loan in January, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Mainoo has been seeking a departure due to his dissatisfaction with limited playing time this season. His potential transfer may hinge on whether United would accept a loan without an obligation to buy.
– Juventus has their sights set on AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as a free agent next summer, as negotiations for a contract extension between the Rossoneri and the 30-year-old have stalled. The outcome may depend on Maignan’s financial expectations, while Chelsea is also interested and has made inquiries about the French international. Bayern Munich has shown interest as well. Should Juventus secure Maignan’s services, goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio could be on the move to the Premier League.
EXPERT ANALYSIS
ESPN’s Alex Kirkland evaluates Real Madrid’s options for new center-backs to enhance their first-team squad:
While it may seem that Real Madrid already has a solid central defense, with the recent addition of promising talent Dean Huijsen, a returning Éder Militão in excellent form, and backup options like Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Raúl Asencio, there are concerns about Rüdiger and Alaba possibly departing in 2026 and doubts regarding Asencio after some costly errors this season. Thus, acquiring a dependable center back is essential, and Madrid may look to follow their successful strategy of signing quality players on free transfers, as demonstrated with Alaba, Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kylian Mbappé.
Reports have indicated Madrid’s interest in Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, who is set to be a free agent in 2026, although opinions within the club’s hierarchy vary on him. Ongoing links with Dayot Upamecano remain, but recent interest has reportedly come from the player’s camp rather than from Madrid’s side.
Also, an internal solution could be 18-year-old Joan Martínez, currently with the reserve team RM Castilla. Highly regarded within the club, he was even part of the first-team setup in 2024 before an ACL injury delayed his progress. His current performances and training sessions with the first team will dictate whether he is ready to make the leap. If not, Madrid will have to pursue options in the market, with Konaté being a frontrunner.
ADDITIONAL RUMORS
– Real Madrid is excited about the progress of Chema Andrés at Stuttgart, having retained 50% of his rights. The young talent is making a name for himself in the Bundesliga. (Marca)
– Liverpool is among the suitors for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. (Daily Mail)
– Two MLS clubs are reportedly interested in Weston McKennie, whose contract with Juventus expires in June. (Nicolò Schira)
– Borussia Dortmund’s striker Serhou Guirassy has a decreasing release clause, with Barcelona expressing interest, although it excludes Saudi Arabian clubs. (Sky Sports Deutschland)
– Barcelona is pursuing 16-year-old Tijuana winger Gilberto Mora, who has shined for Mexico in the Under-20 World Cup, facing competition from Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. (Diario Sport)
– Manchester United has shown interest in Eduardo Camavinga, considering him due to limited opportunities at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso. (Football Insider)
– Juventus plans to revisit their pursuit of Atlético Madrid right back Nahuel Molina after failing to secure him during the summer, potentially exploring a loan with an option to buy. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Bayern Munich is set to have discussions in December regarding a contract extension for Manuel Neuer. Should he remain, they might permit VfB Stuttgart loanee Alexander Nubel to leave permanently. (Sky Sports Deutschland)
– Brighton & Hove Albion and Atlético Madrid are monitoring 19-year-old Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt. (TEAMtalk)
– Marseille is reportedly pleased with Benjamin Pavard‘s performances on loan from Inter Milan and plan to activate the €15m option to sign the defender permanently. His contract will run until 2029. (Nicolò Schira)
– Everton is considering Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. (Football Insider)
– Atalanta and Roma are interested in 17-year-old midfielder Edoardo Mariani, currently playing for Serie C side Vis Pesaro. (Nicolò Schira)
– Arsenal is reportedly open to allowing Gabriel Jesus to leave in the January window. (Daily Mail)
– Manchester City might target a right back in January should Abdukodir Khusanov struggle to find form after his return from injury. (Daily Mail)
– European clubs are starting to keep an eye on 20-year-old Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas. (Fabrizio Romano)