Real Madrid have one name in mind for right-back gap

In search of the missing two. More homework for this transfer window: a right-back is needed. And although it’s still too early to make any definitive statements, most roads lead to Valdebebas. To a homegrown talent. That’s the current trend. The priority is a centre-back and a central midfielder, in addition to Nico Paz. Those two signings will happen; they are certain. Non-negotiable.

So a major investment at right-back is not currently planned. Instead, the club is looking towards La Fábrica, where two names stand out: Fortea and David Jiménez. A casting call to become Trent’s backup, at least in the short term. In the medium term, who knows? Pedro Porro is admired internally, but his price is prohibitive. And there is little interest in players whose contracts are expiring. That is the current situation. One thing is clear: one or two players must arrive.

Two names stand above the rest. The first is Fortea, one of the brightest gems to emerge from La Fábrica. He is 19 years old, 1.75 metres tall, and an attack-minded full-back. A sharp, aggressive player. Because of him, the non-aggression pact between youth academies was broken. In the summer of 2022, shortly after turning 15, he terminated his contract with Atlético de Madrid. At the time, it was considered a major blow to Atlético’s academy. He was already a Spain Under-15 international, a significant loss. “I have to leave to get closer to fulfilling my dream,” he wrote in his farewell letter. Shortly afterwards, his signing for Real Madrid was announced.

He had been persuaded, convinced. Since then, movement between youth systems has become more common: Mario de Luis went from Castilla to Real Madrid C, while Mestre moved from Atlético’s academy to La Fábrica, for example. But it all began with Fortea. His path has been marked by contrasting phases.

He started out as the heir to Carvajal, then went through a period of relative obscurity when he remained with Real Madrid C instead of moving up to Castilla. And once he did reach Castilla, it was difficult for him to secure a starting place. During the first half of the season, David Jiménez was the main protagonist. But Fortea eventually established himself as a starter and became a key figure in the Youth League triumph.

His strengths are obvious: technical quality, pace, and a tremendous attacking presence. He is the kind of footballer who dazzles in person, always capable of producing an outrageous dribble or a spectacular play. Flashy, electric, entertaining. His weaknesses are equally clear: he still needs to improve defensively, particularly his positioning and his strength in duels. He struggles aerially.

In any case, the club’s commitment to him is strong: he is under contract until 2029. But this is viewed as a gradual process. He has not yet made his first-team debut, although he travelled to the Club World Cup and was included in the squad. Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, are closely monitoring him this summer. It could be a busy few months.

The other academy candidate is David Jiménez, who has already attracted attention this season. He is 22 years old, 1.70 metres tall, and profiles as a far more understated player. The type commonly described in football as a “team player”. Someone who always puts the collective first. A quiet leader.

At Valdebebas, his professionalism and daily attitude are highly valued. He arrived at La Fábrica in 2013 from Móstoles URJC, idolising Arbeloa. In fact, it did not take long for him to take a photo with him. A Madrid native and lifelong Real Madrid supporter, he has steadily climbed through the ranks, eventually captaining Castilla.

He made his reserve-team debut in 2023-24, when Lorenzo Aguado and Vinicius Tobias occupied the position ahead of him. But Tobias departed, David stepped up, and he now looks established. Last season, he was Castilla’s second-most-used player with 3,105 minutes, just 79 fewer than Gonzalo, comfortably surpassing Lorenzo Aguado. He has cemented his place in the side.

His quality on the ball is such that he has even been used in midfield on occasion. He regularly takes corners and free-kicks. On December 17, away at Talavera, he made his first-team debut. Since then, he has appeared in four matches and started at Mestalla. His strengths are leadership, attitude, and reliability. The downside is that he rarely makes mistakes, but he rarely dominates games either. A profile reminiscent of Nacho.

There is another name that has generated excitement in Chamartín for some time: Pedro Porro. That much is undeniable. Back in 2023, when he was beginning to shine at Sporting CP, Madrid were already following him closely. But Tottenham ultimately won the race. It proved to be a turning point. Last summer, when uncertainty still surrounded Trent’s renewal with Liverpool, Porro was considered the alternative.

The years pass, but he remains under observation. On the club’s radar. And he has not closed the door himself: “When you’re little, you dream about a lot of things. But to play for the best club in the world, you have to do many things well, and I still have areas to improve. But we’ll see,” he said in an interview with El Larguero.

The problem is that admiration alone is not enough. His price is prohibitive. Tottenham paid $50 million for him, meaning any deal would likely exceed that figure. He is a cornerstone in London, the club’s third-most-used player this season with 3,743 minutes. Jeremie Frimpong is also highly regarded, but equally difficult to negotiate for. The same applies to Reece James, a long-standing target whose recurring injuries now make him a less convincing option. Behind them is Diogo Dalot, who, according to reports in England, is very popular internally. But all of them remain under contract.

And Real Madrid want to prioritise spending elsewhere, particularly now that they believe they have secured their starting right-back in Trent. Any new arrival would initially come in as a backup. The free-agent market offers few convincing alternatives: Çelik, Tomiyasu, and William are among the most established names available, but none truly fit the profile. Which leaves only two realistic paths: promote from within, through Fortea or David Jiménez, or enter negotiations with another club. There are no other options.

The present situation demands action. With Carvajal leaving, a right-back must arrive. It is a position that has to be addressed. As of today, however, the priorities remain a centre-back and a central midfielder. Huijsen, Rüdiger, who is expected to renew for one more season, and Militão are all part of the equation.

Alaba will not renew, while doubts remain over Asensio. Konaté’s name continues to circulate, as does Gvardiol’s, who has been offered to the club. In midfield, the approach is more patient. But those two signings are considered certain, along with Nico Paz’s return. Steps towards the new Madrid that is beginning to take shape. One that will have Mourinho on the bench. One that hopes to rise from the ashes.

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