Real Madrid Reject Three Players Ahead of January Transfer Window

‎Real Madrid have reportedly decided against pursuing three high-profile players ahead of the January transfer window, as the Spanish giants look to refine their long-term transfer strategy amid growing pressure on head coach Xabi Alonso. According to reports, the club has rejected approaches involving players whose contracts run until June 30, 2026, meaning they will be eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs from January 1.

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Real Madrid reportedly reject Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Ruben Neves ahead of the January transfer window, with the club said to be tired of agent-led auctions despite past success in free transfers.

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‎Los Blancos have frequently taken advantage of this contractual situation in recent years, using their global appeal to sign elite players on free transfers. However, despite being offered several notable names, the club is said to have declined the opportunity to move forward with three such players.

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‎Real Madrid move away from familiar free-transfer strategy

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‎Securing top-level talent without paying transfer fees has become a recognizable part of Real Madrid’s recruitment model. The club’s stature has often convinced players to see out their contracts and complete moves to the Santiago Bernabeu as free agents.

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‎The most prominent example remains Kylian Mbappe, who eventually joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 after years of speculation. Following his departure, Paris Saint-Germain pursued legal action against the France captain but were unsuccessful, ultimately being ordered to pay €61 million (£53m/$71.8m) in outstanding wages and bonuses.

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‎Despite that success, Spanish outlet AS reports that Real Madrid have grown “tired of auctions” involving agents. The club is said to be frustrated by intermediaries offering players to them in an attempt to exploit Madrid’s reputation for free transfers and generate publicity through links with the European champions.

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‎Three players reportedly ruled out by Los Blancos

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‎While Real Madrid are assessing potential free agents who could be available in 2026, reports indicate that three players have already been dismissed. The players named are Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Ruben Neves.

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‎Konate and Upamecano, both French centre-backs and former RB Leipzig teammates, are entering the final stages of their contracts at Liverpool and Bayern Munich respectively. Uncertainty has surrounded their futures, and earlier reports suggested Real Madrid had cooled their interest in Konate following a recent dip in form.

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‎Although both defenders could still be on the move next summer, a switch to the Bernabeu now appears unlikely. The same applies to Ruben Neves, the former Wolves captain, who has been linked with a return to European football once his Al Hilal contract expires in 2026.

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‎All three players were reportedly offered to Real Madrid, but the club’s long-standing policy of “absolute silence” on negotiations is said to reflect a desire to avoid drawn-out bargaining with agents.

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‎Real Madrid seek balance in the transfer market

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‎AS further reports that while Real Madrid are known for attracting players through lucrative free-transfer opportunities, this is not the only route the club uses in the market. Not every player approaching the end of their contract is automatically considered a target.

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‎Recent free signings such as Mbappe, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger highlight the success of this approach. Trent Alexander-Arnold was also initially expected to arrive on a free transfer, before Real Madrid opted to pay a €10 million ($11.7m) fee to secure his signing a month early in time for the Club World Cup.

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‎However, the club is aware that links to Real Madrid have sometimes been leveraged by agents to improve contract terms elsewhere. Alphonso Davies is cited as an example, having been connected with Los Blancos before agreeing to a new deal with Bayern Munich last summer.

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‎Looking ahead to future transfer windows

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‎Real Madrid could still be active in the free-agent market in 2026, with several notable players potentially available, including Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva, Dusan Vlahovic and previously monitored midfielder Leon Goretzka.

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‎For now, though, Konate, Upamecano and Neves are not expected to join the 15-time European champions, despite widespread speculation. Their reported rejection leaves questions over Real Madrid’s next moves, as attention turns to the January transfer window, which is set to open in the coming days.