Real Madrid monitoring Ligue 1 and Premier League stars to strengthen right-back spot: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) right-back Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea defender Reece James ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Los Blancos, who lifted a prestigious double last season, are believed to be on the hunt for a first-team right-back this summer. Although Daniel Carvajal was in great form in the 2023-24 term, the Spaniard will turn 33 next January and his deal is set to expire next June.
As a result, according to Diario AS, Real Madrid are currently scouring the market for a top right-back. They have identified Los Merengues youth product Hakimi and James as two potential targets this summer.
Hakimi, 25, has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the world over the last few seasons. He has helped PSG lift six trophies, recording 14 goals and 19 assists in 120 overall matches, since arriving from Inter Milan for €68 million in the summer of 2021.
James, on the other hand, has struggled with a number of injury issues in the last two campaigns. The 24-year-old has bagged 11 goals and provided 22 assists in 158 games for Chelsea, lifting three trophies.
Real Madrid are believed to have the financial muscle to convince both PSG and Chelsea to offload their respective stars. While signing Hakimi could prove to be a costlier operation than luring James, the latter could be a risky signing due to his recurring injury issues.
Real Madrid leading race for 18-year-old
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist David Lynch shared his two cents on Real Madrid target Leny Yoro's future at boyhood club LOSC Lille. He opined (h/t TBR):
"Liverpool are definitely interested in Leny Yoro and are pushing for a move if they can get him in this summer. The one thing I would say, and I don't want to pour cold water on it completely, but the word I'm getting from the Liverpool side of things is a little bit of pessimism about the possibility of that move and that is of couse because Real Madrid are involved."
Claiming that Los Blancos are the favorites to sign Yoro, Lynch added:
"He's very much a player that if there was a deal there to be done, they'd be absolutely all over it. They really highly rate him, they think he's a real opportunity if he does come on the market for them but that pessimism is there. A belief that he is going to end up at Real Madrid. They are very much the strong favorites."
Yoro, 18, has popped up as one of the most promising centre-backs in the world of late. He helped Lille finish fourth in the table last season.
A right-footed defender blessed with heading and tackling, Yoro helped his Ligue 1 club register 20 shutouts in 44 overall outings last season.