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SOCCER

From Camp Nou to Bernabéu, radical twist, playing for Real Madrid is his biggest dream

Real Madrid and Barça aim at the 2026 market, but the center back that Flick likes the most has already decided his destination

The historic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barça is one of the greatest worldwide. They have spent decades fighting for dominance in Spanish and European soccer, but also for control of the best players. When an important window opens, that battle moves directly to the offices.

Barça tries to compete with a more sustainable model, relying on La Masia and very controlled signings. Real Madrid, by contrast, has become an ocean liner thanks to its financial strength and its ability to attract stars. Despite the differences, both have experienced their most successful years in this century and want to repeat that.

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Barça and Madrid fight for the best players in the world | E-Noticies

Real Madrid and Barça look to 2026 market with excitement

Barça, with Flick, is building an exciting project, with youth and a clear idea of play. Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso, generates more doubts in terms of performance, but it has financial leeway to find quick solutions. Therefore, the 2026 market is seen as a huge opportunity for both.

Both Flick and Xabi seek to strengthen the defense with a reliable center-back. They want a profile that is dependable in duels, quick into space, and with authority for big nights. In that scenario, several options fit and also reach the end of their contracts.

Upamecano, Konaté, and Marc Guéhi appear as top-level names who could leave on a free in 2026. That situation boosts interest because it allows investment in wages without paying a transfer fee, which is very attractive. In fact, Madrid and Barça have spent months studying the three deals in order to make the right decision.

Marc Guéhi, the favorite, chooses Real Madrid

To Barça's regret, the center-back Flick likes most is Marc Guéhi, and his stance seems clear. The Crystal Palace defender considers it a dream to play at the Bernabéu and will do whatever is in his power to achieve it. That desire shapes the market even before there is any real negotiation.

Real Madrid values him for his maturity, his reliability, and his ability to grow even more. If the player pushes, the whites gain a huge advantage over any competitor. Barça, therefore, will have to explore other alternatives in order to meet Flick's request without breaking its financial balance.

➡️ Real Madrid ➡️ Soccer

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