Liverpool's problems at right-back this season have led to the club being linked with Dani Carvajal, who is still available as a free agent after leaving Real Madrid
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 23: Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid CF looks on prior the game the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 23, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Dani Carvajal is a free agent after leaving Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Joleon Lescott has suggested Liverpool could be interested in signing Dani Carvajal in an apparent solution to its issues at right-back.
Questions have been raised about Andoni Iraola’s options on the right of his defense already this season, with Jeremie Frimpong the only recognized senior option in the position with Conor Bradley still out injured, and not expected to return until at least November.
Frimpong though has failed to convince supporters so far since joining the Reds last year, and found himself out of the team for Friday’s win over Ipswich as Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo got the nod instead.
Underlining Liverpool’s concerns at right-back, academy star Isaac Mabaya has been included in the club’s Premier League squad for the season.
The 21-year-old has made just one senior appearance for the Reds, but could find himself earning more opportunities now as the campaign goes on.
That is, unless Liverpool dips into the free agent market. Caravajal is among those still available to be signed after the window closed, having left Real Madrid following the expiration of his contract earlier this year.
And former Everton and Manchester City defender Lescott has claimed he has heard the Reds are interested in signing the 34-year-old.
Joleon Lescott and David Ornstein speaking on TNT Sports
Joleon Lescott suggested Liverpool could be interested in Dani Carvajal(Image: TNT Sports)
Discussing transfers with The Athletic’s David Ornstein on TNT Sports, Lescott was asked which clubs could go big during the January window.
He replied: “I think there’s talk of Liverpool – Carvajal – right-back. So yeah, I would say Liverpool as well.”
Carvajal would certainly add plenty of experience to Iraola’s side were he to make the move to Anfield, having won six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles during his time at Real.
He struggled with injury problems during his final season at the Bernabeu though, resulting in him making just 23 appearances across all competitions.
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Liverpool.com says: We’re not entirely sure where Lescott has heard about Liverpool being interested in Carvajal. We mentioned him in our round-up of free agents who might be worth considering, but we’d be surprised if the Reds actually made a move for him.
At 34, he definitely doesn’t fit the usual age profile of a Liverpool signing. What’s more, those injury problems he has suffered can’t be overlooked, especially now he is in the twilight of his career, and it would feel like the Reds would just be adding yet another player with questionable fitness to the mix.
Carvajal would perhaps make sense as a short-term signing, but nothing more than that. And quite frankly, we can’t see Liverpool going in for a player who hasn’t played at all since May.