5 players who could replace Marcelo at Real Madrid

Marcelo has been excellent for Real Madrid since his move in 2007
Marcelo has been excellent for Real Madrid since his move in 2007

Over the past few weeks Brazilian left-back Marcelo has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus, where he would team up with longtime teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. With a change in management coming at the club, it may finally be time for the Brazilian to leave.

Marcelo has been in the Spanish capital since 2007 and during this time has won every major honour multiple times. At the age of 30 the fullback may ultimately end his decade association with the club and seek a fresh challenge. Madrid will have trouble replacing such a consistent performer, but here are five players that could be signed as Madrid's new left fullback.


#5 Nacho Monreal

Nacho Monreal's performances for Arsenal have steadily improved over the last few years
Nacho Monreal's performances for Arsenal have steadily improved over the last few years

Unlike the other options included on this list, Monreal would serve as a short-term fix. The Arsenal fullback will turn 33 next year, however, his game seems to have improved with age. Monreal would be available for a small fee and if Madrid miss out on their top targets, we may see a year of Monreal starting at left-back for the reigning European champions.


#4 David Alaba

Alaba has spent his entire senior career at Bayern Munich in Germany
Alaba has spent his entire senior career at Bayern Munich in Germany

David Alaba's stock has fallen slightly over the last 12 months, however, the Austrian remains one of the premier fullbacks of world football. Pacy, decisive and excellent going forward, Alaba has been instrumental in Bayern's domestic dominance and he has already made over 300 appearances for the German club.

The 26-year-old operates in a similar way to Marcelo and the Austrian's attacking prowess means that Madrid would not feel the loss of Marcelo due to Alaba being a perfect replacement. Bayern will not want to lose Alaba in the prime of his career, so if this one goes through expect a huge transfer fee.

#3 Ricardo Rodriguez

Rodriguez is known for his stunning set pieces
Rodriguez is known for his stunning set pieces

Before moving to AC Milan in 2017, Rodriguez was linked with a number of top European clubs such as Madrid. The Swiss star was one of the only bright spots during Milan's miserable season, appearing 47 times in his debut season.

The 26-year-old excels going forward and he would offer pace, and the ability to deliver excellent crosses from wide areas. Milan are currently a selling club, so Rodriguez may ultimately be one of the easier world class players to acquire.


#2 Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro joined Juventus from Porto in 2015
Alex Sandro joined Juventus from Porto in 2015

Alex Sandro has been linked to Real Madrid over the last few years, and rumours have only increased since the sacking of Julen Lopetegui. The Juventus fullback currently has his path to the national team blocked by Marcelo himself, however, the player may feel that a move to Madrid could propel him above Marcelo.

We could potentially see an incredible swap deal between the two sides this summer, with Marcelo joining Juventus and Alex Sandro moving to the Spanish capital. All parties would win if such a transfer went forward, but both players must want the move for it to happen.


#1 Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso has been a surprise hit at the London club
Marcos Alonso has been a surprise hit at the London club

Marcos Alonso graduated from Real Madrid's famous academy, even appearing for the first team back in 2009. The 27-year-old fullback recently signed a new contract with Chelsea, however, contracts in 2018 are rarely honoured and the player may still move on.

The Madrid native would offer more defensive steel than the other attacking minded players on this list, and if Antonio Conte is appointed as the new Madrid manager, the Italian would likely want to work with the player again after their successful two years in London.

Madrid will likely make a move for the Chelsea man in the summer, due to Alonso being a homegrown player, who is currently one of the best defenders in Europe.

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Edited by Rupin Kale