Real Madrid’s right-back transfer shortlist

Real Madrid’s planning for the current season has become increasingly complicated. The team started the season with a shortage of central defenders, with only two fit for the starting lineup (Militão and Rüdiger), one who lacks Ancelotti’s confidence (Vallejo), and another injured with no clear return date (Alaba). There are emergency options, such as Tchouaméni, Mendy, and Carvajal, who could step in if necessary. However, Carvajal’s recent triple hamstring tear has created a gap on the right side and further weakened the defensive line.

Despite these challenges, Madrid have made it clear that they will not make any signings during the January transfer window. Of course, this is not set in stone—there are still several weeks until the end of 2024, and if the team’s defensive shortcomings worsen, the club might reconsider. For now, the plan is to count on Alaba’s return to the middle of defence and rely on Lucas Vázquez as the starting right-back, with occasional rotations involving Mendy, Militão, and younger players like Lorenzo Aguado or Fortea.

HOW TO WATCH: Real Madrid vs Celta de Vigo | LaLiga | Saturday October 19, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT.

Which right-back will Real Madrid sign?

Looking ahead to the summer of 2025, Madrid have more concrete plans to reinforce the right-back position. The club had already been exploring options, primarily with an eye on 2026, as Carvajal’s performances last season and this year didn’t seem to require an immediate replacement, but now the situation has changed. While Carvajal has renewed his contract until 2026 - a show of confidence and recognition for his years of service - there are understandable concerns about his ability to return to top form after a severe knee ligament injury at the age of 33. Although he will be given every opportunity to recover, the club are definitely thinking about the future.

As a result, several names have surfaced on Madrid’s radar, with two standing out: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jeremie Frimpong. The list of candidates may grow as time passes, but for now, these two are the main contenders. Achraf Hakimi had also been considered due to his quality and history with Madrid, but a transfer seems unlikely given his contract with PSG runs until 2026, and relations between the two clubs are strained.

As things stand, it is Alexander-Arnold who currently has an edge in the race. The Liverpool full-back’s contract expires next summer, and he has yet to sign an extension, which means he could arrive on a free transfer, a strategy that has worked well for Madrid in recent years, as seen with players like Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Alaba. At 26-years-old, his friendship with Bellingham, versatility (he has played in midfield at international level), and vast experience in elite football make him an attractive option.

However, that is not to say that Frimpong is not a strong candidate in the debate. The Dutchman has been a key player for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, excelling as a full-back capable of playing in both a back 5 (as a wing-back) and a back 4 defensive systems. He also makes a considerable impact in attack, having scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists last season.

While his lack of elite-level experience could be a concern, his performances last season, when Leverkusen won the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and reached the Europa League final, show he is developing rapidly. Valued at €50 million, any move for Frimpong would involve negotiating with Leverkusen, a club Madrid has good relations with (Carvajal spent a year there). Furthermore, Frimpong has the advantage of being a favourite of Xabi Alonso, the man many consider the prime candidate to take over from Ancelotti when the Italian’s second spell at the 15-time European champions comes to an end.

When is Real Madrid’s next game?

The LaLiga matchday-10 game between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid will be played at Balaídos in Vigo, Spain, on Saturday October 19, 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT. Viewers in the United States can watch the clash on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Your streaming options also include the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free trial.