Had it not been for the Club World Cup this summer, which Chelsea won, Trent Alexander-Arnold would have come to the Spanish capital for free. Liverpool were given 10 million euros for someone to let go of the right-back a few weeks before the expiry of his deal on July 1 this year. (Transfermarkt thinks Arnold is worth 75 million euros)
Free players is a strategy that Real Madrid have perfected over several years, much to the annoyance of clubs on the other end of the transfer.
Read: Manchester United’s dream team after hijacking Benjamin Sesko
3 stars Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will pick up for free in 2026
Real Madrid are already thinking about strengthening the team in the medium term and have identified three key players who can join the club without the need for transfer negotiations. With a view to the summer of 2026, the Madrid board has put the spotlight on Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano and Gianluigi Donnarumma, all of whom have contracts until this time. The possibility of signing them as free agents represents a strategic move by Florentino Pérez and manager Xabi Alonso.
The first on the list is Ibrahima Konaté. The Liverpool centre-back is a profile that really impresses Xabi Alonso because of his physical strength, defensive aggressiveness and ability to play his way forward from defence. At 26 years old, he is at the peak of his career and has yet to extend with “The Reds”. His arrival would bring stability to a defense that has constantly struggled with the absences of Militao and Alaba.
Real Madrid aim for top reinforcements at no cost
Another name on the radar is Dayot Upamecano. The Frenchman, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, has been closely followed by Real Madrid’s sporting department. Despite his injury history, his qualities make him an elite stopper when he is 100% fit. In 2026, he will be just 27 years old and still have a lot to contribute, and he could be an interesting option for rotation or even a place in the starting lineup.
The big surprise, however, is the inclusion of Gianluigi Donnarumma on this list. The Italian is coming off a brilliant season where he won everything with PSG, but his future in Paris is uncertain. With the imminent arrival of Lucas Chevalier, the door is slightly ajar for an exit. Florentino Pérez sees him as the natural successor to Courtois, who will then be 34 years old.
Read on English clubs: Week packed with “action” in Alexander Isak’s transfer saga
Real Madrid have for several years entered the market with a clear strategy: to reinforce with top players without having to pay transfer fees. If they manage to secure these players, it will be a powerful signal.
