Liverpool Handed Chance to Sign Free Agent Dani Carvajal

Liverpool have been offered the opportunity to sign former Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal on a free transfer, according to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey.

Reds Weigh Up Right-Back Options

Liverpool’s right-back department has been unsettled since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid last year. Jeremie Frimpong arrived from Bayer Leverkusen as his replacement but has yet to convince in the Premier League, while Conor Bradley has spent long spells on the treatment table this season.

With Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni also sidelined, Andoni Iraola’s side turned to Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona for cover, though the Uruguayan is a centre-back by trade. Curtis Jones, who filled in as an auxiliary full-back last term, has since left for Inter Milan, leaving the Merseysiders short of natural options.

Carvajal Offered to Three Premier League Clubs

Carvajal has been a free agent since leaving the Santiago Bernabéu at the end of June, bringing the curtain down on 13 trophy-laden years in the Spanish capital. Intermediaries have reportedly presented the 34-year-old to Liverpool, Manchester City and Fulham, with the west London club carrying an intriguing personal link through manager Álvaro Arbeloa, Carvajal’s former Real Madrid teammate.

Despite the interest, sources close to the situation suggest Liverpool haven’t made any firm commitment, and there’s also a squad-registration snag: the Reds have reportedly filled their non-homegrown quota for this season, meaning any deal might have to wait until January.

Personally, I’d be surprised if Liverpool followed through on this one. FSG’s recruitment model has rarely stretched to short-term deals for players in the twilight of their careers, however decorated. That said, Carvajal’s experience, winning mentality and versatility would be hard to ignore for a squad light on senior full-back cover, and a mid-season loan-style arrangement wouldn’t be the maddest piece of business given the injuries piling up at Anfield.

Whether Liverpool, City or Fulham ultimately move for the Spaniard remains to be seen, but his availability alone makes for an intriguing subplot as the season progresses.