Real Madrid are proactively looking at potential replacements for long-time starting right-back Dani Carvajal as his contract situation remains unresolved heading into the 2024-25 season. The club are evaluating two promising candidates who could potentially fill this crucial role in their lineup. Carvajal's current deal with Los Blancos is set to expire in the summer of 2024, and with no extension yet agreed, Real Madrid's management are taking a pragmatic approach to ensuring they have suitable alternatives. The 31-year-old Spanish defender has been a mainstay in Real's rearguard for over a decade, making over 400 appearances for the club since joining the first team in 2013. However, as he approaches the latter stages of his career, it is prudent for the 14-time European champions to look at options to potentially sign a new long-term starter at right-back.
The first name on Real's radar is Achraf Hakimi, the Morocco international who previously came through the Bernabeu's youth system. Hakimi spent two successful seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund from 2018 to 2020 before being sold to Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued to develop into one of the most dynamic and complete full-backs in world football.
Now 24, Hakimi left Real Madrid in 2020 in search of more regular game time, but the Spanish giants have maintained a strong relationship with the player and his representatives. There is a belief within the club that Hakimi could be tempted to return to the Spanish capital, where he would have the chance to once again become a key figure and potentially replace Carvajal as a long-term starter. The other main candidate on Real's shortlist is Reece James, the 23-year-old England international who has emerged as one of the Premier League's elite right-backs during his time at Chelsea. James' combination of size, strength, technical ability and tactical intelligence has made him an extremely valuable asset to the Blues, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the powers that be at the Bernabeu.
While prying James away from Stamford Bridge would undoubtedly be a difficult proposition, Real Madrid have the financial resources and prestige to make a compelling offer. The opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, compete for major trophies every year and potentially become a long-term player in the starting XI could be enticing for the young Englishman.
It is worth remembering that Dani Carvajal is a product of Real Madrid's youth system. As a young player, he honed his skills at La Fábrica, the club's famed academy that has produced countless stars over the years. During the 2012/13 season, the Spanish defender spent a year on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, getting his first taste of regular first-team football at senior level. But since 2013, Carvajal has been an integral part of Real's first team, gradually establishing himself as one of the best right-backs in world football. Over the last decade, he has made over 400 appearances for the club in all competitions, cementing his status as the cornerstone of their backline. Carvajal's consistency, reliability and two-way play have made him an invaluable asset to Real Madrid.
Last season was another fine campaign for the 31-year-old, as he made 41 appearances in all competitions for the club. In those games, he netted 6 goals and provided 5 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute not only defensively, but offensively as well. Carvajal’s all-round skillset, encompassing his defensive solidity, dangerous overlapping runs and eye for the key pass, made him a nightmare for opposing wingers. Carvajal has been a loyal servant to the Real Madrid cause, and his connection to the club’s history and identity as a homegrown player adds an extra layer of significance. Seeing one of their own academy products flourish at the highest level is always a source of pride for the Whites faithful, and the fact that he has been part of the squad for over a decade speaks volumes about his quality and commitment.
However, as Carvajal approaches the final stages of his career, Real Madrid management are now faced with the challenge of identifying a suitable long-term successor who can eventually take his place. With the defender's contract set to expire in the summer of 2024, the Spanish giants are proactively looking at potential replacements to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes for his departure.
The club are evaluating two promising candidates who could potentially fill this crucial role in their lineup. The first name on Real's radar is Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan international who previously came through the Bernabeu's youth system. Hakimi spent two successful seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund from 2018 to 2020 before being sold to Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued to develop into one of the most dynamic and complete full-backs in world football.
