Dani Carvajal’s serious injury can jeopardise the whole 2024-25 season for Real Madrid, as he is one of the most important players in the squad. He was key for the team’s success in last season’s La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs, and also for Spain as the Iberians won the UEFA EURO 2024.
There is no doubt that it will be impossible for Real Madrid to fully replace him. Still, they will have to take the necessary steps to mitigate the impacts of his absence.
As already reported, the Merengues are looking at two broad categories of players to replace their injured captain with. The first one is that of experienced players whose contracts are expiring in 2025. The second one is that of young players, below the age of 25, who might not be at the same level as Carvajal, but who can also be the long-term replacements for the Spaniard.
MARCA has identified three such players that can interest Real Madrid.
One of the most interesting options in this category would be the Bayer Leverkusen fullback, Jeremy Frimpong. Although he has been playing as an inside midfielder under Xabi Alonso, he has played as a full-back for the most part of his career.
He has a contract till 2028, and his market value is €63 million, but he will cost the Merengues much more than that as he is an established part of the German team.
With him in his side, Ancelotti will have a player who contributes a lot in attack, but who struggles in some defensive aspects of his game. Thus, the Italian will have to field a midfielder or defender to cover for him when he is on an attacking run, and also a winger who can create space for him in more advanced areas.
A more balanced option for the Merengues would be the Italian Michael Kayode, who is currently impressing with Fiorentina at only 20 years of age. He has a contract till 2028 and a market value of €25 million.
Kayode stands out mainly with his defensive skills but also usually joins up in the attack. He is also a very good crosser of the ball, but he shines the brightest in more defensive-minded teams.
The Monaco fullback Vanderson could be another option for Real Madrid if they are looking for an attacking right-back. He also has a contract till 2028 and is 23 years of age.
While he is a very good attacking fullback, there are some obvious weaknesses in his game. For instance, he is not the best of crossers, and he also leaves a lot to desire when defending without the ball.
