Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly known since March that a major shift is coming to Real Madrid’s right flank—and it’s now just weeks away from being made official.
Carvajal’s Injury Sparks Domino Effect
The season took a serious hit when Dani Carvajal suffered a triple tear in his right knee, sidelining him for months. Though the defender is targeting a return by May, the impact of his absence has already been deeply felt.
Lucas Vázquez Underwhelms
In Carvajal’s absence, Lucas Vázquez was thrust into the starting right-back role. But his performances have been underwhelming, drawing criticism from the club’s decision-makers. With his contract expiring this summer, Vázquez’s future at Madrid is hanging by a thread.
Real Madrid’s Big Solution: Trent Alexander-Arnold
According to journalist Mario Cortegana (The Athletic), Trent Alexander-Arnold is the man chosen to revamp Madrid’s right side. The Liverpool star is set to arrive as a free agent, and Ancelotti was informed about this move as early as March.
This signing aligns with Florentino Pérez’s broader generational transition plan. With Carvajal already renewed until 2026, the duo of Trent and Dani is seen as more than enough depth and quality at right-back.
What This Means for Lucas Vázquez
Although his departure hasn’t been officially confirmed, the writing is on the wall. Barring an outstanding end to the season, Vázquez is likely to exit the club as a free agent. The arrival of Alexander-Arnold would make his position virtually redundant.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid is clearly preparing for a new chapter in its defensive setup. With Ancelotti already in the loop, and the deal for Trent nearly finalized, all eyes are now on how Lucas Vázquez finishes the season—and whether he can pull off a last-minute miracle to stay.
