Hato & Hernández included - Five Real Madrid left-back transfer targets under €45m

Real Madrid wasted no time this summer by backing Xabi Alonso with two high-profile signings after the new Los Blancos manager arrived from Bayer Leverkusen. Madrid paid Liverpool €10 million so Trent Alexander-Arnold could join before the Club World Cup, with Dean Huijsen arriving from Bournemouth for €62.5m. Madrid’s defensive deficiencies were badly exposed in big games last season as Barcelona dominated their rivals in Spain with Arsenal eliminating them in the Champions League. The Spanish giants have an abundance of attacking talent in their squad so it was no surprise that the first two signings of Alonso’s tenure were in defence.

Furthermore, Madrid have also been strongly linked with acquiring a new left-back as it remains a problem area in their squad and Álvaro Carreras was on the verge of joining before the Club World Cup. A deal for the Benfica left-back remains very feasible but Fran García has been excellent at the Club World Cup and could potentially solve their problem at left-back. Alonso has deployed a fluid 3-5-2 formation in the United States with Aurélien Tchouaméni dropping back into defence in possession with Alexander-Arnold and Garcia pressing up as wing-backs. Despite Garcia’s impressive displays, Madrid are understood to still be keen on signing a new left-back this summer with doubts over Ferland Mendy’s future and we’ve examined five options with a market value of €40m or under.

Five Real Madrid left-back targets: Market value €40m or lower

Firstly, Destiny Udogie would cost much more than his €40m valuation and represents an unrealistic option as Madrid wouldn’t want to pay a premium for the Tottenham star. In recent years, Florentino Perez’s tactic in the transfer market has been to tempt players with contracts expiring and Madrid haven’t spent vast sums in comparison to rivals. Udogie, however, would be a perfect option for Madrid and could nail down the left-back/left wing-back role for the next decade. The Italian international has already amassed extensive experience in Serie A and the Premier League at 22 and he’s an excellent left-back.

Jorrel Hato represents a fascinating option and has been strongly linked to Madrid across the last 12 months. The 19-year-old is an exceptional talent and has already captained Ajax, despite his age. Hato progressed through the youth ranks at Ajax predominantly as a centre-back but played the majority of his minutes last season at left-back. Madrid haven’t been reluctant to invest heavily to acquire some of the best youngsters in the world and Hato fits that billing. But Alonso’s preference of playing with wing-backs complicates any potential deal for Hato as he is more suited to playing as a traditional left-back or the left centre-back - a position already occupied by Huijsen.

Álvaro Carreras remains firmly on Madrid’s radar and reputable sources were reporting that a deal was essentially agreed earlier this summer. Benfica, however, wanted Carreras for the Club World Cup and it’s been reported that the 22-year-old was unhappy at being denied his dream move. Carreras progressed through the youth ranks at Madrid before moving to Manchester United but failed to establish himself as a first-team player. The Spanish youth international has a €50m release clause - above his market value - but Madrid seemed willing to activate that earlier this summer and their finances will be boosted by their performance at the Club World Cup.

Theo Hernández has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia but that’s yet to be finalised. The 27-year-old appears destined to depart AC Milan this summer as his contract expires next summer and the Italian giants want to recoup a fee. Hernandez remains one of the best left-backs in the world and he’d be very comfortable at wing-back given his attacking attributes are his biggest strength. Hernandez famously joined Real from Atletico Madrid in 2017 for €24m, before leaving for Milan two years later but he’s been linked with a return and would be a significant upgrade on their current options.

Nathaniel Brown provides a wildcard option but the 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season. Brown enjoyed his breakthrough season with Frankfurt as they finished third in the Bundesliga with the young German playing 33 games in all competitions. The fact that Brown’s minutes were split between left-back and left-back midfield makes him perfect for the left-wing back role under Alonso. He also impressed for Germany in the recent U21 Euros and although he remains relatively unknown compared to other names on the list, Brown is a potential star of the future.