Real Madrid veteran’s renewal could depend on club’s pursuit of Premier League superstar | OneFootball

Since Dani Carvajal’s ACL injury in October, Lucas Vazquez has had step into the starting right-back role at Real Madrid but it has not been smooth sailing for the 33-year-old.

The veteran star’s contract with the Merengues expires at the end of the season and as things stand, there is no guarantee that he will be offered an extension.

Vazquez’s future depends on Trent Alexander-Arnold pursuit

Now, according to MARCA, whether Vazquez stays at Real Madrid or not will largely depend on the summer transfer market particularly on whether Trent Alexander-Arnold joins the club.

It is no secret that the reigning Spanish champions have made the Liverpool star a priority target for the summer and want to bring him as a free agent, with his contract set to run out in June.

In fact, reports earlier today suggested that the Premier League right-back’s arrival is 99% done.

Alexander-Arnold’s potential arrival could impact Vazquez’s continuity at Real Madrid, considering that Carvajal will also be back from injury in a few months.

Still trusted despite criticism

Lucas Vazquez’s contract expires on June 30. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Much like club legend Marcelo during the final stages of his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, Vazquez has been drawing a lot of criticism for his defensive failings this season while his contributions going forward get overlooked more often than not.

The Galician has scored twice, provided five assists, and won two penalties, making him the tenth most influential attacking player in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Despite the debate surrounding his defensive abilities, Ancelotti’s faith in him remains evident, even though Federico Valverde has occasionally been preferred for key matches.

Indeed, since Carvajal’s injury in October, Vazquez has started 16 of Real Madrid’s 19 La Liga matches. The three games he missed were due to fitness issues.

The 33-year-old was also a guaranteed starter in both Spanish Super Cup matches against Mallorca and Barcelona, as well as the Intercontinental Cup final.

The only competition where Vazquez has lost his place to Valverde is the Champions League. where Ancelotti has opted for the Uruguayan’s energy on the right.

For years, Vazquez has been a crucial option for Real Madrid at right-back with the club’s decision to back him as Carvajal’s understudy proving successful.

As such, a renewal is not entirely ruled out, but much will depend on how the pursuit of Alexander-Arnold unfolds. In case of a departure, Vazquez already has a lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia.