Problem Position
Real Madrid made swift moves this summer to support new manager Xabi Alonso, securing two high-profile signings immediately upon his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. The club spent €10 million to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool ahead of the Club World Cup, and Dean Huijsen was acquired from Bournemouth for €62.5 million. Last season, Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities were glaringly evident, especially during key matches where Barcelona outperformed them in La Liga, and Arsenal knocked them out of the Champions League. With a wealth of attacking prowess already in place, it was logical for Alonso’s initial transfers to address defensive needs.
Moreover, Madrid has been actively seeking a new left-back to fortify this problem area in their squad. Álvaro Carreras was nearly signed before the Club World Cup, and a deal for the Benfica player remains possible; however, Fran García has impressed during the tournament and could be the solution to their left-back dilemma. Utilizing a dynamic 3-5-2 formation in the U.S., Alonso has seen Aurélien Tchouaméni drop into defense when in possession, with Alexander-Arnold and García pushing forward as wing-backs. Despite García’s notable performances, Madrid is still prioritizing a new left-back this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Ferland Mendy’s future. Here, we explore five potential targets valued at €40 million or less.
Five Real Madrid Left-Back Targets: Market Value €40M or Less
First up is Destiny Udogie, whose market value exceeds €40 million, making him a less realistic target for Madrid, given their typical transfer strategy of avoiding inflated prices. Nonetheless, Udogie would be an ideal fit for the club for the next decade. At just 22, the Italian international boasts considerable experience in both Serie A and the Premier League, making him an excellent choice for the left-back role.
Another intriguing option is Jorrel Hato, who has been consistently linked with Madrid over the past year. At just 19, Hato is a promising prospect and has already captained Ajax. While he initially trained as a center-back, he spent the majority of last season on the left flank. Madrid has been known to invest heavily in young talent, and Hato fits that mold. However, his more traditional left-back style could pose challenges in a wing-back system, especially with Huijsen occupying the left center-back position.
Álvaro Carreras remains a top target for Madrid, with reports indicating that an agreement was close earlier this summer. However, Benfica requested to retain Carreras for the Club World Cup, reportedly leaving the 22-year-old disappointed. A product of Madrid’s youth system, Carreras briefly joined Manchester United but struggled for first-team minutes. Despite a €50 million release clause being above his market value, Madrid appeared open to activation earlier this summer, and the success at the Club World Cup could enhance their financial flexibility.
Theo Hernández is another name in contention, increasingly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, although nothing has been finalized. The 27-year-old looks set to leave AC Milan with his current contract expiring next summer. AC Milan is keen to secure a transfer fee, as Hernández is regarded among the top left-backs globally, bringing pace and attack to the wing-back role. He previously transferred from Atlético Madrid to Real for €24 million and has since been linked back, likely offering a significant upgrade to current options.
Finally, Nathaniel Brown is a wildcard candidate who has flourished this season. With a breakout campaign at Frankfurt resulting in a third-place finish in the Bundesliga, the 22-year-old played 33 matches across competitions. His versatility, with time spent at both left-back and left midfield, makes him a strong fit for the left wing-back position under Alonso. Despite being lesser-known compared to other targets, Brown has the potential to become a standout player in the future.