Real Madrid has changed its transfer strategy with the arrival of Jose Mourinho. The club has begun signing more experienced players like Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries, and this trend could continue into 2027.
With the new season approaching, Real is expected to bring in at least two new faces: a central defender and a midfielder. Mourinho requested a defensive signing last summer, but after an injury to Raul Asensio, all potential departures were blocked, forcing him to work with his current squad.
Last summer, the Madrid giants nabbed Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on a free transfer as his contract expired. Now the club may look to employ a similar strategy. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Real is keeping close tabs on legendary Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, whose contract also expires at the end of the season.
Van Dijk has been one of the world's top defenders for the past decade, but by the time a potential move to the Bernabeu materializes, he will be 36. He could serve as an excellent short-term solution for Mourinho, though the wisdom of high wages for an ageing player remains a contentious issue.
As it stands, Liverpool is not ready to offer Virgil van Dijk a new contract. Real Madrid will be able to officially start negotiations with the Dutchman as early as January.
