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Real Madrid prepares for new season with emerging center-back pairing

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 11:35 AM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Real Madrid prepares for new season with emerging center-back pairing

Summary

Real Madrid is moving closer to finalizing its center-back pairing for the 2026/27 season, with Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate reportedly leading under manager Jose Mourinho. Both defenders have performed well in pre-season, positioning themselves ahead of Antonio Rudiger. Konate, recently signed from Liverpool, is focused on establishing himself, while Huijsen has impressed with his ball progression and confidence under pressure. Rudiger, although experienced, has struggled to find his best form in pre-season, making the competition for a starting role more intense as the season approaches.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate are leading candidates for center-back roles.
•Konate joined Real Madrid from Liverpool and aims for a starting position.
•Huijsen has impressed during pre-season, earning Mourinho's confidence.
•Rudiger is facing pressure from both defenders due to inconsistent pre-season form.
•Real Madrid aims for improved defensive performance after last season's issues.

Latest Updates

11:35 AMYahoo Sports — Rudiger on the back foot as two Real Madrid defenders lead Mourinho’s preferred centre-back pairing – report

What they're saying

"
Real Madrid appear to be closing in on their preferred centre-back partnership for the start of the 2026/27 season, with Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate emerging as the leading candidates under Jose ...
— Yahoo Sports

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