Dani Carvajal's long-term successor? Real Madrid keeping tabs on Sevilla defender Juanlu as they plan for 32-year-old's departure

Los Blancos will need to find a successor to Carvajal, who turns 33 next year and cannot play forever. The ever-dependable full-back has given Madrid over a decade of service since returning to the club from Bayer Leverkusen and will be difficult to replace. However, according to AS, Juanlu is emerging as a strong contender to fill the void when Carvajal eventually departs.

With Carvajal's contract expiring in June 2025, Madrid are searching for a player who can rotate in and out of the side for a season before becoming the starting full-back at the Bernabeu. Juanlu, just 20 years old, could provide depth and a long-term solution to the Madrid defence. The defender has made 18 appearances in La Liga this season for Sevilla, replacing captain and stalwart Jesus Navas in that role.

Juanlu has been on the end of a rather unfortunate statistic in the Champions League this season. The defender was dribbled past eight times against Arsenal as Gabriel Martinelli gave him nightmares, the most a player has been dribbled past for eight seasons - per Squawka.

Juanlu will make his Real Madrid audition this evening as his side travel to the Spanish capital hoping to find a way to halt the league leaders. Madrid can extend their lead at the top of the league to eight points.