Real Madrid have arguably the best core of youngsters out of any club in the world. Players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde will no doubt be key pieces in the team for many seasons to come. And even right now, they have to be considered favourites for the Champions League after eliminating Manchester City from the competition on penalties.
However, even with such a strong core of youngsters, some of the old guard of Real Madrid have managed to stick around and play key roles in the team both on and off the pitch. Players like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Nacho remain important.
Another part of the legendary old guard who has stuck around and played a key role in the team the past few seasons is Dani Carvajal. The 32-year-old has put in some of his best performances in recent memory this season and has shown that he can still keep up pace with the new generation.
But Father Time is undefeated. Sooner or later, Carvajal will need to be replaced and it looks like Real Madrid could already be eyeing the new right-back for the next generation of Los Blancos. There is plenty of competition for his signature though.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich hold talks for Real Madrid target
That player is Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen. As reported by CaughtOffside, Christian Falk said in his exclusive Fact Files column:
"His contract until 2028 also contains an exit clause. The wing player can go for €40m. The clause would have to be activated before the start of the European Championship in June. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester United have registered their interest in the Dutchman. The management of Frimpong is already in concrete talks with United and Bayern."
Frimpong is a name that will no doubt draw a lot of interest this summer. The 23-year-old Dutch international was a key player for Xabi Alonso's side, as Bayer Leverkusen won their first-ever Bundesliga title, ending Bayern Munich's legendary streak in the process.
The Dutchman has a release clause believed to be around €40 million, a very realistic figure that many top clubs who are in search of their right-back of the future are expected to be open to meeting. It remains to be seen if Real Madrid will make a move for Frimpong this summer or if the club will instead decide to stick with Carvajal.