What was a need just a few days ago became an emergency this Saturday evening. Against Villarreal, Real Madrid had another success in La Liga (2-0) but lost big with the injury of their captain Dani Carvajal. The Spanish right-back, author of an exceptional season last year, suffers from a major injury with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus tendon. Enough to keep him away from the field for very long months since he will not play again this season. As a result, the Merengues find themselves with Lucas Vazquez as the only alternative in the right lane.
For several weeks, Madrid management had been actively looking for a right-back to prepare for the future and the transition with Dani Carvajal. The latter’s injury has accelerated the transition even though Real Madrid has just announced its extension until 2026. The path leading to Trent Alexander-Arnold seems to be the most concrete to date as revealed for several weeks by the Spanish press. The England international is coming to the end of his contract this summer and has still not extended with Liverpool. This Sunday, Marca announces that Real Madrid intends to strike very hard during the winter transfer window. After having been rather calm this summer, the club realizes the urgent needs and therefore wants to strengthen itself to achieve its objectives.
Lukeba desired, priority to the right side
The Madrid daily explains that before Dani Carvajal’s injury, the priority was the recruitment of a left-handed central defender. This summer, the failure in the Leny Yoro case did a lot of harm to Madrilenians. With David Alaba’s injury and Militao’s fragile physique, Ancelotti often finds himself limited to this position and must rely on Tchouameni to help out. A situation which is not tenable in the long term despite the declarations of the Italian coach who believed he could do without a recruit in this position this season this summer. Now we have to recruit. And Marca explains that Real Madrid have targeted another Frenchman in the person of Castello Lukeba. The Leipzig defender corresponds to the desired profile (young with potential and left axial). He is in the shortlist just like the young Dutch international Jorrel Hato (18 years old) from Ajax Amsterdam and the young Brazilian Vítor Reis (18 years old) from Palmeiras.
But Real Madrid must now deal with the absence of Carvajal. And so the priorities have changed. From now on, it is also necessary to recruit for the right-back position. Marca specifies that, proof of the urgent situation internally, the Madrid club intends to recruit two players this winter (right side and left axial). In addition to the Alexander-Arnold track which is very complex, the club is also studying the possibility of activating the buyout option for young Alex Jiménez. The Spanish right-back was sold to Milan this summer and has not played a single match (he plays with the reserve team). A credible option for January and which also shows the difficulties for Real Madrid in finding the right player in this position, because internally, it is estimated that no young person from Castilla or the youth teams is ready to help out. There is an emergency at Casa Blanca…
