Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reignite interest in €20 million-rated Barcelona defensive target – report
Real Madrid have decided to take a deep dive into the transfer market to look for a right-back, and if a report from SPORT is to be believed, they have set their sights on Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda.
Real Madrid’s interest in Fresneda is not new. In fact, the team from the capital had thought of approaching the player in the past but had decided to not pursue him.
However, after Dani Carvajal’s poor performance in the pre-season, they are evaluating the option once again, given that Alvaro Odriozola will be sold and Lucas Vazquez is a makeshift defender and is also in his thirties.
Real Madrid’s plan to stun Barcelona
It must be noted that Frenseda is also a subject of interest for Barcelona, who too are actively hunting a right-back.
Now, the Blaugrana have Joao Cancelo as a priority but if the move fails due to financial reasons, Fresneda remains their contingency.
Real Madrid have already snatched Arda Guler from Barcelona despite Deco’s best attempts and they plan to do the same with the Valladolid defender.
The 18-year-old has a release clause of €20 million and Real Madrid are more than willing to put more money on the table.
By increasing the price of the deal, Barcelona will stumble from the track and this is where Madrid will strike.
The Blaugrana have reportedly made an offer of €8 million plus €10 million in variables and are willing to include Estanis Pedrola in the deal. But if Real Madrid come up with a better proposal, they could take the lead in the race.
Madrid’s hunt for a right-back
At 31 years of age, Carvajal is not getting any younger.
This means in case of an injury, the team from the capital city will have to resort back to using Vazquez or Nacho in the right-back spot.
It must, however, be noted that both the backup options are not natural full-backs and are in their thirties as well. In fact, both their contracts expire next year too.
This is why Madrid have decided to re-evaluate the Fresneda case. The 18-year-old is a former trainee of the club’s academy and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in La Liga last season.
Given his age, he could turn out to be a long-term investment for the Merengues.
Real Madrid have started the 2023/24 campaign on a strong note, winning six in six across all competitions.
What makes the streak even more impressive is that they have had to do so without a number of key players present.
Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr are still out on the sidelines while Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy have only recently returned from injury.
But, earlier this week, Dani Carvajal became the latest victim of the injury course as he sustained a muscle issue that ruled him out of the match against Union Berlin last night.
Carvajal will undergo MRI tomorrow
Carvajal had been in fine form prior to his injury earlier this week and his absence is certainly a blow.
With a game against Atletico Madrid coming up later this weekend, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic is reporting that the 31-year-old will undergo his MRI scans tomorrow morning.
It should present a clearer picture of the extent of the veteran right-back’s injury following which a potential date for his return could be determined.
Prior to the Union Berlin match, manager Carlo Ancelotti sounded optimistic about Carvajal’s condition, as he said:
“Carvajal has an overload, we prefer not to take any risks. It’s nothing serious, he’ll undergo tests tomorrow and we hope he recovers soon. Carvajal can make it to the derby. The feelings are good.”
But tomorrow’s scans should provide a better picture of how his condition is and when he can make a comeback.
Lucas Vazquez: an able deputy
With Dani Carvajal unavailable, Carlo Ancelotti turned to Lucas Vazquez for the right-back position and the veteran Spaniard did not disappoint last night.
Indeed, the 32-year-old was a regular outlet going forward down the right flank and made six key passes against Union Berlin.
And Ancelotti will count on him again in the derby versus Atleti if Carvajal’s recovery will take longer.
