Manchester City have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal on a free transfer.
City and Liverpool have both been approached by intermediaries exploring Premier League options for the 34-year-old right-back.
Graeme Bailey reports for TEAMtalk that Fulham have also been approached and have shown potential interest in a deal. There is no suggestion yet that City have decided to take it any further.
A lot of experience for nothing
Carvajal left Real Madrid this summer after 13 years in their first team and is currently a free agent.
He made 450 appearances for Madrid and won 27 trophies, including six Champions Leagues. He was also part of the Spain side that won Euro 2024.
Quite the CV.
There are obvious reasons why his name might at least prompt a conversation at City. Rico Lewis can play at right-back, while Maresca has other players who can move around his defence, but Carvajal would bring vast experience and wouldn’t require a transfer fee.
There are equally obvious reasons for caution.
Carvajal is 34, and injuries have taken their toll over the last couple of seasons. He suffered a cruciate ligament injury in 2024 and another serious knee problem the following year, while his minutes at Madrid became increasingly limited.
This would be a short-term signing for experienced cover rather than anything resembling another piece of City’s rebuild.
Whether Maresca wants or needs that is another matter. For now, the important distinction is that Carvajal has been offered to City, rather than City making a move for him. Still, six Champions Leagues on a free transfer is enough to make this one worth watching.
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