News Focus
- Dani Carvajal prepares for emotional Santiago Bernabeu farewell against Athletic Club this Saturday
- New manager Jose Mourinho reportedly identifies Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot as his preferred target
- Club considers promoting academy defenders Jesus Fortea or David Jimenez to save funds
- Real Madrid prioritising centre-back and midfield signings over expensive right-back deals
Real Madrid must solve a defensive puzzle this summer as they search for a new right-back following the exit of club captain Dani Carvajal. The 34-year-old will leave Los Blancos when his contract ends, making Saturday’s clash against Athletic Club his final appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Carvajal was meant to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the starting spot this season. However, both players struggled with fitness problems throughout the campaign. Midfielder Fede Valverde often filled in at right-back during their absence. Although both defenders recovered in the second half of the season, the captain featured rarely.
Reports suggest Jose Mourinho has agreed to become the new manager. According to Sport, the Portuguese coach wants to sign Diogo Dalot from Manchester United. Mourinho worked with the 27-year-old during his spell at Old Trafford. Dalot’s contract runs until 2028, meaning United will demand a fee for the versatile defender.
However, Diario AS claims the club prefers cheaper solutions. They plan to spend big on a centre-back and a central midfielder instead. Therefore, they are looking at academy products Jesus Fortea, 19, and David Jimenez, 21. Both could serve as backup to Alexander-Arnold next term.
Fortea seeks regular senior football and has drawn interest from Como. Jimenez impressed during brief cameos in February, starting ahead of Carvajal on one occasion. Mourinho rarely trusts young players, but a tight budget may force him to look within.
Other targets like Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Chelsea’s Reece James are considered too costly. Free agents Zeki Celik, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cruzeiro’s William do not meet the required standard.