Real Madrid continue to analyse the transfer market for next season and one of the positions on the pitch to strengthen is right-back, as until recently they were trying to reach an agreement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. But the situation has suddenly changed and one of the reasons is the injury of the Liverpool defender, which has created doubts in the Madrid sporting management, especially when Dani Carvajal is offering an extraordinary recovery.
Madrid’s doubts about Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid were interested in Alexander-Arnold. In fact, in January they could have made an offer of 20 million euros to sign him immediately, although Liverpool rejected it. But the truth is that, as things have gone after the English full-back suffered a serious sprained ankle in the match against PSG Paris in the Champions League, that has no longer been possible. In fact, the illness kept him off the pitch in a key final like the Carabao Cup against Newcastle.
Real Madrid, well aware of the physical setbacks that have plagued their squad in recent seasons, have kept a low profile. Injuries have been a real headache for Carlo Ancelotti‘s team and, while Alexander-Arnold is a player of proven quality, his physical problems have raised questions when it comes to making the big investment in signing him.
Carvajal changes Madrid’s plans
Just as doubts surround Alexander-Arnold, the progress of Dani Carvajal fills Madrid fans with optimism. After suffering one of the most serious injuries of his career in October, the full-back has worked tirelessly to recover. A few days ago, he announced on social media his return to the pitch at Valdebebas, a return eagerly awaited by all Madrid fans.
Carvajal’s recovery plan is working wonderfully, and the player has already set himself another goal that he has clearly set his mind on: the Club World Cup this summer in the United States. His effort and motivation have surprised even the club’s doctors, who on several occasions have had to divert his energy so that he does not set himself goals.
The Whites’ right back has shown in the past that, when he performs at 100%, he is one of the best in the world at his position. His experience, competitive character and leadership ability may make the Whites rethink the need to take a step forward for Alexander-Arnold, in the event that Carvajal is able to fully recover.
Uncertain future for Alexander-Arnold
Following the evolution of Carvajal and the doubts about the physical state of Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid could decide to drastically change its market strategy, as the Englishman is still a powerful and attractive player but no longer seems to be one of the absolute priorities on the market. The fact is that the contractual situation and Liverpool’s high price tag complicate the operation.
Over the next few weeks, the football management of Real Madrid will monitor the progress of the two players before making a final decision, although what seems clear is that Carvajal intends to regain his place and show that he is still one of the key players in the team next season, so if he regains his previous form, with Carvajal doing well, the Alexander-Arnold option takes a back seat.
The end of the season is just around the corner and so is the definition of the plans concerning Real Madrid’s right-back. While Carvajal is making satisfactory progress in his recovery, Alexander-Arnold is trying to overcome his injury and convince again.