Real Madrid may have to wait until the end of the 2024/25 season to find out if Trent Alexander-Arnold will join them.
Los Blancos and Liverpool are locked in a fierce battle to secure the England star for the 2025/26 season as he assesses his options.
The England international is in the final six months of his contract at Anfield with Real Madrid, where a transfer offer was rumored to have been rejected in January.
Both groups of fans will be hoping that luck is on their side and you can test your own luck on the Slotsjudge site as supporters hold their breath on Merseyside and in Madrid.
Here at Football Espana, we look at what his potential free transfer arrival in 2025 could mean for Real Madrid's right-back position going forward.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Plan A for Real Madrid is to bring Alexander-Arnold to Madrid on a five-year contract in its current form.
If the defending Spanish and European champions succeed in their mission, Alexander-Arnold will join England teammate and friend Jude Bellingham in their squad at Valdebebas.
Despite suggestions from Carlo Ancelotti that he wants to deploy him alongside Bellingham in midfield, that is not on the agenda in Madrid.
Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot have consistently opted not to play him in midfield – despite concerns about his defensive capabilities – and that would remain the plan for Ancelotti.
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal has been Real Madrid's number 1 right-back for more than a decade and is developing into one of the best in the world in his position.
However, a season-ending knee injury already ended his season, and his return is not expected until June.
In a show of confidence following his injury, Real Madrid immediately extended his contract until 2026, but he could find himself in direct competition with Alexander-Arnold as he completes his rehabilitation.
The questions about the latter's defense do not exist for Carvajal, as the Spanish star is excellent in the areas where the potential newcomer struggles.
If Carvajal can get back to full strength, there could be a real battle for a starting spot.
Luke Vazquez
The player with the potential to be completely missed by the arrival of Alexander-Arnold is club stalwart Vazquez.
The 33-year-old has made up for Carvajal's absence with his versatility and commitment, praised by Ancelotti.
However, according to reports from Relevo, his contract expires at the end of the season and he is open to whatever comes next.
Real Madrid could continue their policy of one-year extensions for players aged 30 and over, but a third-choice spot may not suit him, with another La Liga challenge or retirement on the agenda.
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