Ancelotti asks for reports on Real Madrid academy right-backs – three names emerge | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has requested reports on Real Madrid academy right-backs as the club explores internal solutions following the season-ending injury to Dani Carvajal, reports The Athletic.

Despite Ancelotti’s historical preference for experienced players, the Italian manager has asked for these reports, signalling a potential shift in approach as the Merengues evaluate their internal options.

Three options highlighted

While sources within both the coaching staff and academy indicate that a completely ‘ready-made’ prospect prepared for immediate first-team action is not available, three promising candidates have emerged from the youth ranks – Lorenzo Aguado, David Jimenez, and Jesus Fortea.

Aguado has been with Real Madrid since 2010 and was part of the pre-season tour of the United States. The 22-year-old is currently featuring for Castilla in Spain’s third tier under Raul’s management.

Jesus Fortea (L) is an option for Ancelotti. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

As per the report, Aguado is considered the most likely to join first-team training sessions in Carvajal’s absence and potentially secure a spot on the bench for upcoming matches.

Jimenez, 20, represents another viable option from Castilla. Having joined the club in 2013, the youngster has already gotten a taste of first-team involvement, making the bench for Madrid’s victory over Alaves in September when Aguado was out injured.

The third prospect, Jesus Fortea, is perhaps the most intriguing despite being just 17 years old. Real Madrid notably broke their informal ‘non-aggression pact’ with Atletico Madrid to secure his signature in 2022.

Currently excelling in the U19s under Alvaro Arbeloa’s guidance, Fortea is considered highly promising but not yet ready for first-team action, having yet to feature for Castilla.

17-year-old Melvin Ukpeigbe could also be an option after impressing on loan with Bayer Leverkusen’s youth side last season – so much so that the German side wanted him again this past summer.