The 2026 Trap: Why Real Madrid Are Rejecting Konaté and Upamecano Despite a Defensive Exodus

In the high-stakes theater of the Santiago Bernabéu, silence is often the loudest sound. As the January 2026 transfer window looms, agents across Europe are scrambling to place their clients at the world's most prestigious address. But despite a defensive injury crisis that would cripple lesser clubs, Real Madrid has reportedly hung up the phone on three of the market's biggest names.

The 'No-Fly' List: Konaté, Upamecano, and Neves

According to reports from Diario AS, Real Madrid has firmly rejected approaches from the camps of Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), and Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal). All three players see their contracts expire on June 30, 2026, effectively making them free agents in waiting as of January 1st.

Under normal circumstances, these players would be prime 'market opportunities'—a term Florentino Pérez usually relishes. However, club sources suggest Madrid has grown weary of being used as a bargaining chip. The hierarchy believes these offers are less about a desire to wear the white shirt and more about leverage—using Real Madrid’s name to panic current clubs into offering lucrative renewals.

Context: The Defensive Cliff Edge

The decision to reject defensive reinforcements is a massive gamble given Madrid's own precarious contract situation. The context missing from the initial reports is alarming:

• The Double Departure: Both David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger are also out of contract in June 2026. Reports suggest Alaba is expected to leave, while Rüdiger’s renewal remains uncertain.
• The Injury Ward: With Éder Militão out until February 2026 (tendon injury) and Dani Carvajal recovering from knee surgery, Madrid’s backline is currently being held together by duct tape and versatility.

By saying 'no' to Konaté and Upamecano, Madrid is effectively staring at a scenario where they could start the 2026/27 season with zero senior center-backs signed, barring Militão.

The 'Trent' Standard

Why the hesitation? The bar for free agents has been raised. Real Madrid’s recruitment strategy has shifted from 'available talent' to 'generational opportunity.' The successful acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer of 2025 (following the Kylian Mbappé model of 2024) has emboldened the board. They are willing to wait for a 'Galactico' defender—rumored to be someone of William Saliba's caliber—rather than settle for players like Upamecano, whose wage demands are viewed as excessive relative to his inconsistent form at Bayern.

Key Stat: Dayot Upamecano is seeking a package that would place him in the top bracket of earners, a demand Madrid views as incompatible with their wage structure for a non-guaranteed starter.

The Agent Game

The report highlights a growing frustration with agents attempting to replicate the 'Alphonso Davies Saga.' Davies, who was heavily linked with Madrid before his own contract negotiations dragged out, is seen as the prime example of a player using Madrid interest to maximize leverage. Pérez is determined not to let the club be a pawn in the negotiations for Konaté or Neves, regardless of how desperate the squad depth appears.