Even though Dani Carvajal has held the fort admirably as Real Madrid’s first-choice right-back for years now, the time for transition is now on the horizon.
The Spanish veteran suffered an ACL injury earlier this month and is now out for the rest of the season and could take time to return to his best once he eventually comes back.
As such, Real Madrid are already putting in place a succession plan for the 32-year-old right-back with plans being formulated to sign a new player in the position in the summer of 2025.
Trent Alexander-Arnold the priority
Indeed, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Real Madrid will sign a new right-back next year and Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold happens to be the club’s priority target.
The England international, who is slowly coming back to his best after a difficult spell last season, will be a free agent in the summer as his contract with Liverpool expires on June 30, 2025.
The 26-year-old, as such, will be free to negotiate with the club of his choice starting January. And while renewal talks with the Reds are taking place, there has not been substantial progress, leaving the doors open for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos see the Liverpool homegrown talent as their priority option but also see that his signing would be viable only if he becomes a free agent.
Alternatives lined up
In case a move for Alexander-Arnold does not materialise, Real Madrid have drawn up a list of alternatives with three names – Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and Sevilla youngster Juanlu Sanchez.
Pedro Porro even recently admitted that he appreciates the interest from Los Blancos, hinting that he might be open to a transfer.
Frimpong, too, would consider a high-profile move to the Santiago Bernabeu, and could be a viable option with a release clause worth around €40 million.
Reports of interest in Juanlu have also been doing the rounds for quite some time now.
However, as mentioned previously, Alexander-Arnold remains the top priority.
