Álvaro Carreras, left-back for Benfica, has been one of the standout players in the match at the Estádio da Luz. Barça has been following him for some time, as his performance has been spectacular.
Carreras is considered one of the great talents in his position, and for this reason, the Catalan club had set their sights on him. According to the reports Deco received, the player was emerging as an option to strengthen that area of the field in the future.
However, what seemed like a possible signing has turned into an almost impossible task. Benfica knows the gem they have and has made it clear that they will only let him go for the 50M of his release clause. A figure that, at the moment, seems unattainable for Barcelona, given their current economic context and the difficulties in making large investments.
The Meteoric Rise of Carreras
Álvaro Carreras's path to Benfica has been somewhat atypical. Born in the youth ranks of Real Madrid, his journey took him to Manchester United, but he didn't have many opportunities in England. From there, he was loaned to Granada, where he also didn't achieve the consistency to establish himself.
It was during his loan to Benfica, however, where he began to take definitive steps in his career, until signing with the Portuguese club on a permanent basis for 6M euros. Today, at just 22 years old, he has become an undisputed starter, and his exit price has skyrocketed. It's not unreasonable to think that, sooner rather than later, he could be drafted by the Spanish national team.
With 15 league matches under his belt and two goals scored, Carreras's growth has been impressive. Benfica signed him until 2029, ensuring that his release clause will be key for any interested club. For now, it seems that the operation is closed for Barça.
Why Doesn't Balde Fear?
Alejandro Balde, meanwhile, is experiencing his best season with Barça. With each match, he demonstrates that he is ready to take on the role of a starter and be a key piece for the club's future. At just 20 years old, Balde has become one of Barça's great surprises and doesn't back down from the competition.
Balde knows that Barça needs players of his level, but he also knows that he is the future of that position. In conversation with Deco, Balde made it clear that there was no point in signing Carreras, as his level is superior to that of the Benfica player. With his quality, speed, and defensive ability, Balde is more than prepared to occupy that spot in the first team for years.