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 Mourinho.
According to MARCA, the two defenders have moved ahead in the battle for starting places during pre-season.
Konate has arrived from Liverpool determined to establish himself immediately, while Huijsen has continued to build momentum after a series of encouraging performances.
As things stand, the pair look well-placed to begin the campaign together.
Konate’s clear objective at Real Madrid
Ibrahima Konate did not join Real Madrid to settle for a place on the bench.
After a difficult final season at Liverpool, the French defender has arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with a point to prove.
He wants to compete directly for a starting role and offer Mourinho a more reliable presence at the back.
Dean Huijsen has won over Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The Frenchman’s biggest strength is that his physical profile gives Real Madrid something different in defence, particularly in duels and situations where the back line needs greater power and authority.
That could prove valuable for a team looking to find more stability after periods of inconsistency last season.
Whether he can turn that potential into a permanent place remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest Mourinho sees him as a serious candidate rather than simply another squad option.
Huijsen’s strong pre-season pushes Rudiger down the order
Alongside him, Huijsen offers a very different profile.
The young defender is more comfortable progressing the ball and has shown the confidence to play through pressure.
While Konate brings physical dominance, Huijsen’s strengths lie more in his composure and ability in possession, a contrast that explains why Mourinho sees the partnership as an attractive option.
The defender, who has taken the No. 4 shirt previously worn by his idol Sergio Ramos, has already made an encouraging start in the jersey.
He impressed during the Teresa Herrera Trophy, helping Real Madrid keep a clean sheet, before following that performance with another solid display against Schalke.
This time, he also made an impact at the other end by scoring with a header.
Notably, his rise has also increased the pressure on Antonio Rudiger.
The experienced German has had opportunities during pre-season but, according to the report, has not yet reached his best level. That has left him trailing behind Huijsen and Konate in the current battle for places.
Rudiger’s experience and leadership remain important to the squad, but based on pre-season form, it appears that he has work to do to regain a place in Mourinho’s strongest starting XI.