Real Madrid are once again at the centre of major transfer speculation as the club scrambles to deal with a growing defensive injury crisis that has rocked the Santiago Bernabéu this season. The Spanish giants are currently without both of their recognised right-backs, forcing the club into urgent January planning.
The situation has been worsened by the absence of Dani Carvajal and summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, leaving head coach Xabi Alonso with limited options at the back. Alexander-Arnold, who arrived last summer as a long-term successor to Carvajal, has struggled to settle in Spain due to persistent injury problems.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Injury Woes Deepen
Alexander-Arnold’s latest ankle injury is expected to keep him sidelined for around eight weeks, marking his second major setback since joining Real Madrid. The England international has yet to fully adapt to life in La Liga, and his absence has exposed Madrid’s lack of depth in the right-back position.
With crucial domestic and European fixtures looming, Alonso has reportedly urged the Real Madrid board to act decisively in the January transfer window. According to reports, Los Blancos have already identified a potential solution.
Real Madrid Target Wesley França
Real Madrid are now closely monitoring Wesley França, the highly-rated Roma wing-back who has impressed since his move to Italy. The 22-year-old Brazilian has adapted rapidly to Serie A, scoring three goals in his first 13 league appearances and establishing himself as a key part of AS Roma’s title push.
Wesley’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths. He is comfortable playing as a right-back, right wing-back, left-back, or even on the left flank—an attribute that fits perfectly with Alonso’s tactical flexibility at Real Madrid.
Competition From Barcelona
Madrid are not alone in their admiration. Rivals Barcelona are also understood to be tracking Wesley’s progress, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle between Spain’s two biggest clubs.
European football expert Andy Brassell believes the interest in Wesley is fully justified but has played down the likelihood of a January move. Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell highlighted the Brazilian’s positional flexibility and growing importance at Roma.
However, he also noted that Roma would only consider selling Wesley for a substantial fee, estimated to be between €40 million and €50 million—a price that reflects both his potential and current form.
January Move Unlikely, But Interest Is Real
While a winter transfer may be difficult to complete, Real Madrid’s interest underlines their long-term planning at full-back. With Carvajal approaching the latter stages of his career and Alexander-Arnold struggling with injuries, the club sees Wesley as a future-proof option who could immediately add depth and competition.
For now, Madrid will monitor Alexander-Arnold’s recovery closely while keeping Wesley França firmly on their radar. One thing is clear: Real Madrid’s right-back situation is far from settled, and the January transfer window could yet deliver another major twist in their season.
