Real Madrid scouring the market for a replacement for club captain – report | OneFootball

For the sixth summer in a row, Real Madrid are set to bid goodbye to the first captain of the team as Dani Carvajal is all set to leave at the end of the season.

The trend started with the departure of Sergio Ramos in 2021, followed by Marcelo (2022), Karim Benzema (2023), Nacho Fernandez (2024), and Luka Modric (2025).

Now, it is Carvajal who will leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires, with Los Blancos deciding against offering him an extension.

Real Madrid looking for a right-back

Now, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Real Madrid have already begun scanning the transfer market for a new right-back to replace Carvajal.

Jose Mourinho, who will take over as the new Real Madrid manager in the coming week, has already spoken to the club and insisted that the team needs new defensive signings.

Dani Carvajal on his way out. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

In response, the Merengues have already began scouring the market for options to strengthen the right-back position.

Any move will depend on the budget for the summer and the other priorities, with the club having identified several other areas in the squad that need to be strengthened.

But the idea is for Los Blancos to bring in a new right-back, preferably to operate as a second-choice player, considering that Trent Alexander-Arnold, signed last summer, has established himself as the starter.

Options within the club

In case Real Madrid do not find a suitable option on the market, they can always turn to La Fabrica, where they have Jesus Fortea as an option.

Jesus Fortea (L) is rated highly at Real Madrid. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Regarded highly within the club, the Spanish teenager could be a candidate for first-team promotion next season if a new right-back is not signed.

22-year-old David Jimenez, who has already made his first-team debut this season, could also be an option for Los Blancos.