Three experienced right-back options Real Madrid can consider to replace Carvajal for free | OneFootball

Being one of the most important players for the Real Madrid backline and in the dressing room, the serious injury suffered by Dani Carvajal is definitely going to cost the Merengues, as it will be impossible to find a fullback of his quality in the market, who also understands the club as the Spaniard does.

Still, Los Blancos will have to take some steps to mitigate the impact of his absence. The Merengues are already reported to be ready to look for some options to replace him in the upcoming winter transfer window, as currently they only have Lucas Vazquez to play on the right flank.

According to MARCA, the players that Real Madrid are looking for this purpose can be categorised into two broad groups, and one of these categories is that of experienced players whose contracts are expiring in 2025.

The same publication has identified three fullbacks that fall in this category who can interest the Merengues.

One of the most alluring options in this category will be Joshua Kimmich. The German is now more widely recognised for his adeptness in the midfield, but it needs to be remembered that he started his career as a right-back, and played in this position frequently during the last season.

His experience, leadership, and versatility make him an excellent candidate to replace Carvajal, while statistics show that his attacking output is also significantly higher than that of the injured Spaniard.

Another candidate with whom Real Madrid have been strongly linked in the past few days is the Liverpool fullback Trent Alexander Arnold, whose contract is also expiring in 2025.

The Englishman is not only younger than Carvajal, but his playing style also differs somewhat from the Real Madrid captain. He tends to play more inside of the pitch, while the Spaniard used to remain nearer to the touchline. Similarly, his offensive contributions are higher than those of Carvajal, but he is not as adept a defender as the injured Spaniard.

Lastly, Denzel Dumfries’ contract with Inter Milan also expires at the end of this season, and thus he falls in this category, but he has already agreed on a renewal with the Italian side. Still, with his €24 million market value, he can be a good option for Real Madrid.

He will bring greater defensive solidity to Ancelotti’s right flank, and he also has the tendency to join the attack. However, he will require another player to cover for him when he is playing more offensively.