Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal has suffered a season-ending injury that could allow the European giants to make an early swoop for a long-sought-after transfer target. The England international could sign in the January transfer window instead of next summer.
Dani Carvajal Injury Clears The Way For Trent Alexander-Arnold Early Signing
England Boys Together At The Bernabéu?
Shortly after it was confirmed that Carvajal would miss the remainder of this campaign, attentions turned to who would replace the Real Madrid stalwart. The option most desired by club and fans alike is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, a player Madrid have had their eye on for some years.
The 26-year-old England international is out of contract in the summer of 2025 and has been linked with Carlo Ancelotti’s side repeatedly. However, there’s now more than ever an urgency to get the deal done as Madrid lack a genuine right-back replacement for Carvajal.
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The move could see the local Liverpool lad link up with national team teammate and friend Jude Bellingham, who has enjoyed a stellar first year in the Spanish capital. Alexander-Arnold’s versatility could also see him pulled into a midfield alongside Bellingham, as seen during the European Championships in the summer.
The Perfect Replacement
Not only would the Englishman provide a world-class option at right-back for the rest of the season, but he will also be able to play different roles once Carvajal does make a full recovery. With Carvajal still only 32 years old and playing some of his career’s best football, Ancelotti may want to use Alexander-Arnold in midfield in an attempt to fit both on the pitch at once.
Although his wages would be high, the defender could arrive at a bargain price given that he is currently out of contract next summer. Initially, Madrid would have preferred to wait until he was available on a free transfer (like they did with Kylian Mbappe) but their latest injury setback means they would need to reach into their pockets in January.
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While extremely comfortable on the ball and possessing a passing range matched by very few, the Liverpool youth academy product will need to improve his defending should he impress at the Bernabéu. Carvajal is feared by La Liga wingers due to his tough nature and tendency to go strong into tackles. But with Carvajal, along with bruisers such as Antonio Rüdiger and Eder Militao on the team, the Englishman will have plenty of references to learn from.
Other Options For Carlo
Should this deal fall through for whatever reason, President Florentino Pérez will have to look elsewhere to fill this important gap. Until the transfer window, Lucas Vázquez is who normally slots in at right-back when needed but is naturally a winger. Militao has also been suggested for the more important fixtures to add more solidity until January.
Other, though more expensive, options on the market could see a potential return to Real Madrid for one of their own. Achraf Hakimi, valued at €60 million, was brought through the youth ranks at Madrid before leaving to prove himself as one of the world’s best in various European countries.
A more offensive possibility could be a big move for Jeremie Frimpong, who has shone under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. Although primarily operating as a wingback, Frimpong will need defensive cover but will contribute massively in the form of goals and assists.
Whoever Real Madrid go for, they will need to act swiftly to avoid losing out on any potential targets. But for now, it seems they will accelerate their ongoing push to get Alexander-Arnold through their doors.
