For several months now, Real Madrid has been seriously considering the succession of Dani Carvajal. Indeed, the residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium want to get their hands on a young right-back who can compete with the Spaniard before taking over later. The name of Achraf Hakimi, a former Casa Blanca who is very friendly with Kylian Mbappé, was mentioned. But it is difficult to imagine the club led by Florentino Pérez dealing with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Paris Saint-Germain. The two presidents have been at odds since the Mbappé soap opera. Regardless, the Moroccan is not really the priority of the European and Spanish champions.
Indeed, it is Trent Alexander-Arnold who is favored by management. Still young, since he is 26 years old, the Englishman has the advantage of having great experience and above all of being free next June. In addition, he is very close to a certain Jude Bellingham, with whom he plays for the Three Lions. If Liverpool does not despair of extending the club’s child, Real Madrid would like to step into the breach and lure him into their nets. But sooner than expected. The Madrilenians’ idea was initially to recruit him next June. But they had to review their copy after the serious injury to Dani Carvajal on Saturday during the 2-0 victory against Villarreal in La Liga.
Four solutions in the pro group
The Iberian full-back was seriously injured in the leg after a collision with Yérémy Pino at the end of the match. Quickly, the terrible images of his knee bending during contact with his opponent made the rounds in the media and left few doubts regarding the nature of his injury. On Sunday, Real Madrid gave their news via a press release published on their official website. “He was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg. He will be operated on in the coming days.” we could read. All of this would therefore have pushed Real Madrid to make an important decision, since the Spanish club would like to recruit a specialist for the position in the 2025 winter transfer window.
It was no longer necessarily the habit of Casa Blanca to strengthen itself during the month of January. This time, the leaders could go on the offensive. But the story is different this Tuesday on the side of A.S.. The Iberian publication explains that, even if the option of recruiting a free player this winter is not completely excluded, it does not provide sufficient guarantees in the eyes of management. She therefore decided to trust Lucas Vazquez for the rest of the season. A risky bet since the Spaniard, who was originally a winger, has only held this right-back position for a few years. A.S. recalls, however, that of the 351 matches he played with the Merengues, 114 were as a right-back, or 33% of his matches.
Young people also have a card to play
Ready for this major challenge, Lucas Vazquez has the support of his club. He will have at least three months, if not more, to respond on the ground and convince everyone. But Carlo Ancelotti has other options to replace Carvajal or in case of Vazquez’s absence due to injury or suspension. Indeed, Eder Militão has already been repositioned to the right-back position, he who usually plays in the center. Ferland Mendy is also capable of occupying the right lane, as is the versatile Fede Valverde. But that’s not all. Marca explains that the Madrid coach launched “a casting call for Valdebebas”. Indeed, Ancelotti will also look at the young people trained at the club.
Lorène Aguado (22 years old) has a profile that closely resembles that of Carvajal. Moreover, he was present during the club’s summer tour in the United States. Marca also mentions the cases of David Jiménez (20 years old), who was called up to the pro group at the end of September when Carvajal was left to rest to face Alavés. The names of Jesus Fortea (17 years old), Melvin (17 years old) and Alejandro Moya (19 years old) are also mentioned by Marca. After the loss of his right side which extended until 2026, Carlo Ancelotti will quickly have to find solutions while many challenges loom on the horizon, notably the Clasico against FC Barcelona at the end of October . He already has four in the professional group and an additional one if he ever decides to bet on a youngster from the club.
