There will be no bigger transfer in world football this summer than Kylian Mbappé’s. After years of constant speculation, the French forward is expected to finally complete a move to Real Madrid, bringing to an end the most tedious transfer saga in a generation. The sight of Mbappe in all-white has been a long time coming.
By Graham Ruthven
So too has the signing of a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal. Having signed for the Santiago Bernabéu outfit at the age of 10, the right-back has Real Madrid running through his blood. He embodies the capital club’s drive for success and is still an important part of Carlo Ancelotti’s team which is on course for a league and Champions League double.
Now 32, though, Carvajal is into the twilight of his career. A calf injury sidelined the defender for a period of the season and there are concerns about the Spain international’s fading physicality. The way Real Madrid play, they need a marauding right-back who can get up and down the wing at speed and Carvajal won’t be able to do that forever.
While Mbappé will be the most noteworthy player Real Madrid sign this summer, the right-back they end up landing could be the most consequential. The identification of the right player for this role will play a part in ensuring Ancelotti can balance his attack further up the pitch. There is a direct correlation between the two things.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu. The England international is entering the final year of his contract at Liverpool and could feasibly be persuaded to take on a new challenge with Jürgen Klopp leaving Anfield. Alexander-Arnold finds himself at a career crossroads and one of the signs is pointing him towards Spain.
Tactically, though, Alexander-Arnold could be an awkward fit for the team Ancelotti has forged. With Fede Valverde the sort of wide midfielder who likes to come inside to form a box midfield and Rodrygo also possessing the tendency to cut inside, Real Madrid need a right back who can provide width and mobility up and down the flank.
Alexander-Arnold is most comfortable when he is allowed to join the central midfield unit and there might not be much freedom for him to do this as a Real Madrid player, particularly with Eduardo Camavinga permitted to do something similar from his position on the left side of the back four.
Reece James is another English right back believed to be on Real Madrid’s radar. He would be a better tactical fit for Los Blancos with the 24-year-old a full back who likes to stay wide. James is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2028 and is considered one of Chelsea’s best players. However, FFP and PSR concerns could force the Blues into a sale.
James’ injury record might put off Real Madrid. The 24-year-old has only just returned from a long period on the sidelines and has missed a significant stretch of the last three seasons. If Real Madrid are intent on signing a right back who can perform the role for a long time to come, they better make sure that player plays more games than they are injured for.
Sevilla’s Juanlu Sánchez and Girona sensation Yan Couto have also been mentioned as targets in the Spanish press. They would be cheaper options, but might not immediately dislodge Carvajal from the starting lineup. Juanlu and Couto would be project signings when Real Madrid need someone who can immediately improve the first team.
In an alternative timeline, Achraf Hakimi would be Real Madrid’s starting right back. The Moroccan was on the books at the Santiago Bernabéu, but was sold to Inter on the back of an impressive loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. Now at Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi is widely considered the best attacking right back in the game right now.
Real Madrid are set for a big summer. Not only is Mbappé set to arrive, Brazilian prodigy Endrick will make the move to Spain with negotiations for Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies also under way. The signing of a new right back – whether that’s Alexander-Arnold, James or someone else – would complete Los Blancos’ transition into a new generation.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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