Álvaro Carreras, Benfica's left-back, made an excellent impression on Barça's coaching staff, who have been following him for two years.
He is the Spanish left-back in vogue in Europe. Emerging from El Ferrol, he played three years in Real Madrid's youth football. Until he preferred to pack his bags to sign for Manchester United.
A Real Madrid Youth Product, Benfica Kept Him for 6 Million Euros
Once at Old Trafford, three loans: Preston, Granada, and Benfica, where he arrived in last year's winter market. And this summer, the Lisbon club kept him permanently by paying 6 million euros.
In the year he has been playing at Benfica, the Spanish footballer has increased his value. Meanwhile, Benfica knows it will be difficult to retain him next summer. His 50 million clause makes him an enticing prospect for the big clubs.
Manchester United retained a preferential option to reclaim him for 20 million. But the price for others is 50 million. He has already announced that he won't negotiate; whoever wants to take him will have to pay 50 million.
Barça Has the Money, but Three Players Must Leave
Real Madrid renounces him. Recovering him now would be tantamount to admitting their past mistake. And that same mistake was already made with other top-level full-backs: Achraf, Theo Hernández, and Miguel Gutiérrez.
But Barcelona is indeed interested in making him the double of Alejandro Balde.
Money is not a problem; Barça already has it. But the financial fair play rule is a serious obstacle that Barça must solve.
Carreras could only land at Camp Nou next season if three current team members leave first. Additionally, Barça is still working on the signing of Marcus Rashford for this January.
Jorge Mendes is Working to Direct Him to Barça
But Flick gave the green light to his signing last night. His style convinces him more than Gerard Martín, Balde's homegrown substitute. Moreover, he made a flawless marking on Lamine Yamal, which is not easy.
The Galician full-back has a contract with Benfica until 2029. Meanwhile, Jorge Mendes is in Lisbon to negotiate with the Portuguese club for his departure. His main task is to prevent them from overpricing.
Jorge Mendes has offered Benfica the transfer of Ansu Fati. Additionally, the youth player Darvich on loan, and another La Masia player whose name hasn't been disclosed. The goal is to reduce the final transfer cost.
Carreras left Real Madrid at zero cost, and Barça hopes to secure his signing for less than 30 million.