Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on 25-year-old OGC Nice defender Youcef Atal over a move next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are on a quest for a new right-back amid the injuries plaguing Dani Carvajal. The Spanish giants have, therefore, turned their attention towards 25-year-old OGC Nice defender Youcef Atal.
Youcef Atal joined OGC Nice from Algerian club Paradou AC in the summer of 2018 and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best right-backs on show in Ligue 1. Now a regular for the French Riviera club, the player has amassed 69 appearances for Nice while chipping in with eight goals and five assists in the process.
His progress over the last three years has helped Atal in forging a place for himself in the Algerian national side while also capturing the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. And one of his prospective suitors are Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are reportedly set to enter the transfer market for a right-back ahead of next summer’s transfer window, with the likes of Youcef Atal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James emerging on their radar. And the eagerness to bolster their right-back arsenal is understandable.
While Dani Carvajal has been a stalwart for Los Blancos, his recent injury woes have been hampering the Spanish international considerably. In fact, Carvajal is currently on sidelines once again after sustaining an injury last weekend against Valencia.
With Alvaro Odriozola not really featuring in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans and likely to be offloaded next summer once he returns from his loan spell at Fiorentina. With that in mind, signing someone like Atal could prove to be a prudent move by Real Madrid, especially with Lucas Vazquez merely a makeshift right-back.
The 25-year-old would also be a cost-effective option for Real Madrid at a time when they have to spend their money carefully in the build-up to their pursuit of Erling Haaland. So, while James and Alexander-Arnold offer better quality, Atal could well become the preferred option due to the value he offers.
