Real Madrid is facing a new dilemma following the confirmation of Dani Carvajal’s serious injury. The Madrid full-back suffered a triple knee injury in the dying moments of the match against Villarreal and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. The estimated recovery time is between eight to ten months, meaning the reigning La Liga, Champions League, and Eurocup champions will miss one of their key defensive pillars.
The right-back’s absence has raised alarms at the Santiago Bernabéu, although the club’s response has been immediate, showing support for the player by offering him a contract renewal as soon as the severity of his injury was made public.
Now, while the club has the extraordinary option to bring in a free-agent right-back, Real Madrid appears determined to maintain continuity within the squad and look for solutions internally. Militao, Rüdiger, or Lucas Vázquez could fill this position, at least until the winter transfer window when Madrid might consider signing a high-profile player.
In the horizon, five names stand out as the most valuable right-backs in the current market according to Transfermarkt: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Ben White (Arsenal), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), and Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona). Each player possesses distinct qualities that could be essential in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad as the season enters its final stages.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, a star at Liverpool, is one of the most prominent full-backs in the world. Renowned for his offensive prowess, game vision, and passing accuracy, Trent would fit seamlessly into Real Madrid’s playing philosophy. Currently, the English full-back has a market value of €70 million, and it’s worth noting that during the summer, Real Madrid was favored in Betfair’s betting house as the likely destination for the player once his contract with Liverpool expires in 2025, with an implied probability of 25%. The 26-year-old could arrive on a free transfer, but Madrid would have to wait until June 2025, thereby missing the chance for a short-term solution in the winter market.
One of the more viable options is Achraf Hakimi, a familiar face for Los Blancos. The Moroccan full-back, who left the club in 2020 in search of more playing time, has established himself as one of the best in his position, first at Inter Milan and now at PSG. His speed, power, and offensive capability are undeniable, making a return to Real Madrid a natural move. His current market value is around €60 million, although his salary and PSG’s notoriously tough negotiating stance would complicate any potential transfer.
Although his natural position is center-back, Ben White has successfully filled the right-back role at Arsenal, making him an intriguing option for Madrid. With a more defensive profile and notable ball-playing ability, White could provide solidity at the back for the Madridistas. However, similar to Trent, his price tag and importance to Mikel Arteta’s squad pose a significant financial challenge, with a market value of €55 million.
Pedro Porro, currently at Tottenham Hotspur, has emerged as one of the most promising right-backs in the Premier League. His ability to navigate the flank effectively coupled with defensive solidity has made him an attractive target for several top clubs across Europe. Real Madrid could capitalize on the situation if Tottenham is willing to listen to offers, as his signing would likely be more accessible than those of others on this list. The 25-year-old has a market value of €45 million.
Lastly, the name of Jules Koundé appears on this list due to his defensive versatility, having played both as a center-back and right-back at FC Barcelona. However, a transfer between the two Spanish giants seems implausible given the historical tensions between the clubs that would complicate any negotiations, in addition to Koundé’s importance in Xavi Hernández’s plans. The Frenchman currently boasts a market value of €45 million.
