Liverpool have been presented with a rare opportunity to add one of European football’s most decorated right-backs on a free transfer.
According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, intermediaries have offered Dani Carvajal to Liverpool, Manchester City and Fulham. The 34-year-old became a free agent after leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season and is determined to continue his career. He has already held talks with several Spanish clubs, while interest has also been reported from the MLS, the Saudi Pro League and elsewhere in Europe.
The Reds have not yet given any firm indication they intend to pursue a deal.
Why the interest makes sense on paper
Carvajal’s trophy haul is exceptional by any standard: 29 career honours, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns and six Club World Cups/Intercontinental Cups with Real Madrid, plus Euro 2024 with Spain.
Liverpool’s current right-back options are limited. Jeremie Frimpong is the only natural senior specialist available while Conor Bradley recovers from injury. On-loan centre-back Ronald Araujo can fill in on the right (as he did effectively against Ipswich), but a proven, experienced alternative would give Andoni Iraola greater tactical flexibility.
The practical obstacles
Two significant barriers stand in the way.
First, wages. Carvajal was reportedly earning £172,000 per week at Real Madrid. Matching that figure would place him among the higher earners at Anfield.
Second, squad registration. Liverpool have already reached the maximum number of non-homegrown players permitted in their Premier League squad for the 2026/27 season. Registering Carvajal before January would therefore be difficult under current rules.
Verdict
Under FSG, Liverpool have generally avoided short-term signings of players in the final phase of their careers. While Carvajal’s pedigree and leadership would be attractive in isolation, the combination of age, wage demands and registration constraints makes a deal unlikely.
He remains an intriguing free-agent option on paper, but the club’s recent recruitment approach suggests they will look elsewhere if they decide to strengthen at right-back this season.
