Real Madrid has trouble seeking coherence in its youth academy policy. The club boasts of La Fábrica as an exemplary model of youth academy and titles. But Florentino Pérez has to dig into his pocket and pay 50 million euros to bring back a homegrown player: Álvaro Carreras.
Yes, the same one who left through the back door, without opportunities in the first team, and who now costs as much as a top-tier signing. In Valdebebas, there are many raised eyebrows. How is it possible that a homegrown talent has to be bought back at a gold price?
from discarded to star
Álvaro Carreras left quietly, in search of minutes and growth. He found it elsewhere. He excelled, made himself noticed, and his value skyrocketed.
Now, Madrid wants him back and has to pay 50 million euros for a left-back that was already theirs.
A move that smells of poor planning. Because while the club boasts of its youth academy with emotional videos and title statistics, the reality is that those who succeed do so far from Bernabéu... and then they have to be bought back.
Florentino demands explanations
According to Sport, the white president is upset with the operation, although he has ended up approving it under the pressure of the coaching staff. Carreras has become a necessity: young, homegrown, and with enormous potential.
But paying 50 million for someone who was yours doesn't fit with the club's official narrative. In the box, they wonder who let Carreras slip away and why. Self-criticism is not abundant in Chamartín, but this time it has hurt.
Meanwhile, they keep selling smoke
Marca is full of praise for La Fábrica. Record titles, exemplary youth academy, limitless talent... But the facts contradict the narrative. What good is a brilliant youth academy if you then have to buy back your own players?
It's not something to brag about that Ancelotti has counted on 8 youth players this season. Except for Asencio, none of them have the possibility of settling in Real Madrid. They have only served as a resource to cover absences.
Carreras is not the only case. There are more talents scattered across Europe that could end up returning, but at a star price. Meanwhile, the minutes in the first team continue to go to outsiders.
Florentino has paid. And now he asks for an explanation.