Real Madrid will be aware of the necessity to invest in a new right-back shortly but may be starting to believe that they can delay this decision for another year.
Currently, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez have been relied upon, and both have delivered valuable performances this season.
Carvajal has experienced a comeback year, defining Real Madrid’s aggression in defence. However, when Carvajal has been absent, or as was the case on Sunday when he was shifted to centre-back, Vazquez has performed admirably.
After providing an excellent assist for Joselu Mato against Getafe, Vazquez displayed fine form again at the Santiago Bernabeu in their derby clash. He played a crucial role in the Real Madrid goal and was unfortunate not to win a penalty. Only when Samuel Lino came on did Atletico Madrid pose any threat down the left side.
As Vazquez's contract approaches its end once again, Real Madrid is beginning to contemplate a new deal for the veteran, according to Diario AS.
At 32 years of age, he would only be offered a one-year renewal, but he is eager to remain at the Bernabeu.
The decision on his future will not be made until April or May, but consistent performances like that could see him earn another season.
Real Madrid has recently been linked with players such as Juanlu Sanchez of Sevilla and Yan Couto of Girona, considering Carvajal is also in his thirties. Undoubtedly, it is an area of the squad they will want to address before long.
However, with Juni Calafat already scouting a forward, a central defender, and a left-back for the upcoming summer, waiting another season might be beneficial both financially and in terms of squad turnover, especially if they see Vazquez as capable of performing for another year.
Earlier, head coach Carlo Ancelotti urged the club to sign a defender first at the start of the season when Eder Militao injured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), then again in January when David Alaba suffered the same fate as the Brazilian.
However, the club didn’t pay much attention to the Italian’s request and continued their stance that they are saving money for big arrivals like Kylian Mbappe or Alphonso Davies.
Los Blancos dropped two crucial points after they drew against Atletico Madridi and now they face in-form Girona, who sits second in La Liga points table just two points behind Ancelotti’s men.
The two sides will go head-to-head in a potential title decider at the Santiago Bernabeu on February 10. While the return of Tchouameni and Rudiger will be a great confidence booster for Ancelotti, his troops would need to be at their 100% to overcome Girona, just like they did earlier in the season.