Just six weeks have passed since one of the most hectic summer transfer windows in recent memory closed on September 1. ..Continue Reading
While much attention centered on the headline signings by top Premier League sides, Real Madrid were also active, adding four new faces to their squad, including former Liverpool standout Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Now, it seems the Spanish giants are already laying the groundwork for their next round of transfer activity.
But it’s not only incoming players on their radar—Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly open to offloading a player who previously had a controversial bust-up with Bellingham.
As the 2026 summer transfer window approaches, reports suggest Real Madrid are targeting another elite centre-back, with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate emerging as their preferred option.
Konate would join an already formidable defensive unit at the 15-time Champions League winners, following last summer’s arrivals of Alexander-Arnold, centre-back Dean Huijsen, and left-back Alvaro Carreras.
To accommodate the French defender, German outlet Bild reports that Real Madrid have opted not to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Rudiger has played a significant role for Los Blancos over the past three years, amassing 157 appearances since joining from Chelsea on a free transfer.
However, his standing with Alonso has reportedly declined, with the manager unimpressed by Rudiger’s form this season.
Coupled with the fact that Rudiger turns 33 next year and earns a reported £12 million annually, club officials are reluctant to offer him a new contract.
One individual who might not be disappointed by Rudiger’s departure is England international Bellingham.
Before their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu last season, the two reportedly clashed after Rudiger made a cynical tackle during training.
When asked about the incident in his post-match press conference, Bellingham played down the altercation, saying: “It’s football, it’s normal on the pitch that emotions get high.
“You communicate with team-mates louder than you’d communicate with your mum and dad.
“For every negative interaction you see, there’s 20 positive interactions.”
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