Struggling on the right side of Real Madrid’s defence in recent weeks, Lucas Vázquez has given Florentino Pérez something to ponder. Just days before the winter transfer window opens, Diario AS reports on the decision of the Madrid president.
Real Madrid delivered a disappointing performance last weekend in La Liga. Visiting Rayo Vallecano’s stadium for the 17th matchday, Carlo Ancelotti’s team stood out for its defensive blunders. From Fran García to Lucas Vázquez, and including Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has been filling in as a centre-back since returning from injury, the trusted players of the coaching staff failed to reassure, conceding three goals. After this match, Marca revealed that a tripartite meeting took place between Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez, and Carlo Ancelotti.
A decision made for the right-back position
According to revelations from the Spanish daily, which is very close to the Madrid leadership, the Real Madrid president and the team’s manager are set to discuss the winter transfer market to determine whether defensive reinforcements are needed, particularly on the right side, where Lucas Vázquez appears to be struggling. Currently the only available right-back in Dani Carvajal’s absence due to a season-ending injury, the 33-year-old defender is unlikely to face competition or have a backup.
As reported by Diario AS this Monday, Florentino Pérez and his team have allegedly decided against spending in January, opting instead to wait for the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season. The English full-back, in the final year of his contract with Liverpool, is said to be the absolute priority for Madrid’s leadership, who are unwilling to risk starting next year with three or four right-backs on their hands.
Carlo Ancelotti to manage with Vázquez
Indeed, signing a player in January could result in overcrowding at the position, as Dani Carvajal is expected to return next season. Alongside the highly probable arrival of Alexander-Arnold, Madrid’s management has ruled out making any defensive signings in January. While the decision is understandable, it may complicate matters for the team, which is far from defensively secure with Lucas Vázquez.
At his physical low point following an adductor injury, the current first-choice right-back is not performing at his best. Against technically skilled or faster opponents, he has struggled significantly. This has been evident in matches lost by Real Madrid this season, including games against Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Raphinha (Barça), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta). In any case, Carlo Ancelotti will have to find a way to manage with the players currently at his disposal until the end of the season.
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