Wolves have been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal – and the full-back previously hailed Julen Lopetegui as the best coach he’s ever had.
Wanderers are reported to have made an offer for the Spain international.
Apparently, Lopetegui would like to sign him ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Wolves have had issues at right-back this season. Both Nelson Semedo and Jonny Castro Otto have struggled for the most part.
Semedo has been improving of late. But it’s likely a new right-back will be inbound at Molineux before long.
Defensa Central have claimed an offer has gone in for Carvajal, who is into his 10th season at the Bernabeu.
He’s under contract until the summer of 2025. But Real may look to move him on.
Apparently, he would consider making a move to Wolves, with the club playing host to a strong Spanish contingent.
Carvajal has previously crossed paths with Pablo Sarabia in the youth ranks at Real. And of course, he briefly worked under Lopetegui there, and also in the Spanish national team.
Lopetegui was only at the Bernabeu for a matter of months.
But he made a very big impact on Carvajal.
He said of the current Wolves manager back in 2018 (via Marca): “For me, he’s been the best coach I’ve ever had. Unfortunately, he has lacked the bit of fortune needed to stay with us.”
“His way of seeing football, his way of managing the group, of being with the players, is something I share. I said it before Real Madrid arrived, I keep saying it now that he is gone and I will do it as long as I don’t have another coach who does it better than him.”
Dani Carvajal to Wolves has a reasonable chance of happening because of Julen Lopetegui
If Real are ready to offload Carvajal in the summer, then it seems like there’d be a very reasonable chance of him coming to Wolves.
Lopetegui clearly made a major impression on him in just a short time at the Bernabeu.
For Carvajal to have said that he’s the best coach he’s ever had is some compliment.
Given these past comments, it is well worth keeping an eye out for more updates on Carvajal’s situation at the Bernabeu.
One would think he would maybe have to be willing to take a bit of a pay cut to join, though. AS report he earns just over £150,000-a-week with Real.