Real Madrid’s push to lock down four core stars ahead of new era

Real Madrid are set to secure the long‑term futures of four dressing‑room heavyweights – goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is expected to sign a new deal until 2028, and midfielders Federico Valverde, England midfielder Jude Bellingham and French forward Kylian Mbappé, all of whom have entered renewal talks.

The Merengues view the quartet as the foundation of their next era and want to lock them down before they enter the final stages of their contracts, aiming to avoid the uncertainty that plagued previous seasons.

In recent years Real Madrid have said goodbye to several long‑serving players such as Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, ushering in a new generation and prompting a broader squad overhaul beyond the transfer market.

Jose Mourinho, who has begun a new chapter on the Madrid bench, is expected to build much of his attacking system around Jude Bellingham, even deploying him in a more advanced role, while he also regards Federico Valverde as one of the team’s leaders on and off the pitch.

The club has already secured long‑term deals for other squad members, with Brahim Diaz signing a contract until 2030 and Aurelien Tchouameni agreeing to a five‑year extension that includes improved financial terms, both resisting interest from other European clubs.

The only major contract issue that remains unresolved is Vinícius Júnior; Real Madrid have offered what they call their maximum salary package, but negotiations have stalled over additional demands, prompting the club to warn it will explore the market for another elite attacker if no agreement is reached.

By finalising the renewals of Courtois, Valverde, Bellingham and Mbappé, Real Madrid aim to keep the backbone of the squad intact for years to come, while the players secure long‑term stability at a club that sees them as pillars of its future project.