Real Madrid eye Liverpool star and Man Utd target as Saliba alternatives

Suraj Radia

• 20 Feb 2025 16:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid’s number one defensive transfer target this summer is expected to be William Saliba but the La Liga giants have drawn up plans for three Premier League-based alternatives if the Arsenal man is unavailable.

Real are keen for a rejuvenation of their backline after a seeing a number of senior players succumb to long-term injuries this season, forcing stars to play out of position and the promotion of a number of youngsters.

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Centre-backs are likely to be the main focus for Real, with Saliba having previously been described as the club’s ‘highest priority’, although Arsenal will not be welcome sellers for their star defender.

Consequently, the Daily Mail claim that three Premier League stars are being considered including Jarrad Branthwaite, who was given his Everton debut by current Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Branthwaite has been a long-term target for Manchester United and the 22-year-old is expected to be in demand once again this summer when he has just two years remaining on his contract.

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Bournemouth youngster Dean Huijsen are also said to be on Real’s shortlist, although Saliba would still be the dream signing for Los Blancos at an affordable price.

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Real have seen the likes of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao miss significant game time this season, which has forced players such as Aurelien Tchouameni forced to feature in defence.

The Spanish side may look to sign multiple centre-backs this summer, making an approach for Saliba even less realistic due to Arsenal considering the Frenchman as indispensable.

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Huijsen would represent a value buy due to a €60 million release clause in his contract at Bournemouth, having impressed since his €14m move from Juventus in the summer.

Konate, meanwhile, will have just one year remaining on his contract at Liverpool this summer, with no agreement over an extension in place as of yet, prompting Real to consider testing the Premier League side’s resolve over another one of their stars.

Real also want to sign a long-term successor to captain Dani Carvajal at right-back, who is also sidelined with a significant injury, although Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is the club’s main target as a free agent when his contract expires in the summer.