Real Madrid might poach fellow La Liga club Sevilla for 20-year-old Spanish full-back prospect Juanlu Sanchez next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Juanlu Sanchez is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are scouring the market for a young right-back to be the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal. The 20-year-old Sevilla full-back has thus emerged as the latest target for Los Blancos.
Juanlu Sanchez is the latest promising youngster to emerge as a potentially world-class prospect in his homeland. The country has produced many exciting prodigies like Gavi, Pedri, and Alex Baena in the last few years. And Juanlu Sanchez has joined the list with his exploits for Sevilla.
The 20-year-old began his youth career at Laajasalon Palloseura before spending five years at San Alberto Magno. But Juanlu’s stock has risen since moving to Sevilla in 2015. He rapidly progressed through the ranks at the Andalusian club before breaking into the first-team squad in December 2021.
But the young Spaniard had to bide his time before becoming a regular for Los Nervionenses. A loan stint with CD Mirandes did him a world of good, and he has established a foothold at Sevilla since returning this past summer. The player might not be a first-choice starter yet, but he has made 11 appearances thus far. Meanwhile, Juanlu’s progress has captured the attention of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will likely delve into the market for a right-back in the 2024 summer transfer window. Dani Carvajal is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the final phase of his glittering career. In addition, the Spanish international has seen his performance levels drop in the last few seasons.
So, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a youngster who can learn the ropes from Carvajal before succeeding him. And who better than one of the best young full-backs in La Liga to take over the mantle of the first-choice right-back at the Santiago Bernabeu?
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But Juanlu Sanchez is not the only right-back on Real Madrid’s radar. Their top target is Chelsea captain Reece James. But with the West London club likely to resist an approach from Los Blancos, keeping Juanlu Sanchez as the contingency plan might be sensible.
