Journalist José Félix Díaz mentioned that Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, personally requested the signing of a new center-back during the current summer transfer window, following the disappointing performance of the team in the recent match against Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid suffered a harsh 4-0 defeat against PSG in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, in a match that witnessed individual errors from the Real Madrid defensive duo Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asensio.

The source indicated that the royal club had previously planned to strengthen its defense in the summer of 2026, but the severe defeat in the Club World Cup changed the priorities of the technical management, making immediate action a pressing necessity to bolster the defensive system.

It is noteworthy that Ibrahima Konaté, a Liverpool player, is the top candidate to bolster Real Madrid's defense, as his contract expires in the summer of 2026, and he may leave this summer for a suitable amount.