Alexander-Arnold and five Carvajal replacements for Real Madrid

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 6 Oct 2024 14:29 BST
• 4 min read

Real Madrid are set to dip into the January transfer market for the first time in six years after Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury, with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to be a top target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Carvajal suffered a ruptured ACL during Real’s 2-0 win over Villarreal this weekend, although the club have stood by their captain by announcing a renewal of his contract the day after his injury.

However, despite Carvajal now being tied to the club until 2026, Real are still looking for a long-term successor to the 32-year-old and they will step up their chase in January, with Lucas Vazquez the only fit right-back currently available to Ancelotti.

READ MORE: Real Madrid set for SHOCK January transfer plan

Real are adamant that any arrival should be economically viable and fit into their philosophy as a ‘ten-year signing’, meaning they are likely to target young, long-term solutions instead of a stop-gap.

FootballTransfers takes a look at some right-back options that Real Madrid may look to sign in January to replace Carvajal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Alexander-Arnold was Real’s ideal signing even before Carvajal’s injury due to his availability on a free transfer next summer when his contract at Liverpool expires.

Liverpool have not given up hope of renewing the contract of their homegrown talent but Real have already reportedly been in contact with Alexander-Arnold’s entourage to gauge sentiment over a transfer.

Real will likely test Liverpool’s resolve in January to give the Reds a last chance of securing a fee for the defender, although Arne Slot’s side may refute any approach as they look to continue their strong start to the season.

Pedro Porro (Tottenham)

Another player believed to be on Real’s radar is Pedro Porro, with the Tottenham right-back seen as an alternative to Alexander-Arnold.

The 25-year-old has impressed since moving to the Premier Laague in 2023 and would likely be open to a transfer to Real in the hopes of establishing himself as Spain’s number one right-back.

Tottenham would certainly be reluctant to sell a star player mid-season but the club have always been open to any departures for the right price, although Real would only consider a move for Porro if Alexander-Arnold ends up renewing his contract at Liverpool.

Current ETV

Pedro Porro

D (R)

Tottenham

Pedro Porro

D (R)

Tottenham

€30.3M

ETV Range

€22.7M - €37.8M

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Alex Jimenez (Milan)

Reports in Spain have suggested that Real could also consider a return for Alex Jimenez, despite only selling the 19-year-old to Milan in July for €5m.

Jimenez spent last season on loan with the Italian giants but only made three Serie A appearances, with the teenager still considered a raw prospect and yet to play for the senior team this year.

However, Real’s desire to make a long-term signing would still make Jimenez a viable option, particularly with the club retaining a buy-back clause to ease any potential deal.

Tiago Santos (Lille)

Having been part of the Lille side that ended Real’s 36-game unbeaten run this week, Tiago Santos may have inadvertently given an impressive audition to be Carvajal’s replacement.

The 22-year-old was a standout performer for Lille and has established himself as a top right-back in France since moving from Estoril in 2023 for €6.5m.

Santos is already attracting attention from Premier League sides and recently received his first call-up to Portugal’s national side, meaning Real could end up catching an immense talent on his way to the top.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal)

Real have been reluctant to strengthen in January in recent years, in part due to a declining level of value with mid-season transfers, however Takehiro Tomiyasu may be available for a bargain price this winter.

The Arsenal defender has been recovering from injury but is still likely to only be a rotation player for Mikel Arteta’s side, meaning he could be sold for the right price.

A versatile option who could make an instant impact while also being content to sit on the bench should a first-choice be signed down the line, Tomiyasu could tick all the boxes for a stopgap capable of providing a long-term benefit to Real – if he proves his fitness.