It's now official, even though the club hasn't announced it yet: Álvaro Carreras will be a new Real Madrid player. The deal is closed, only the official announcement remains.
Florentino Pérez has made a move to secure the signing of Benfica's young left-back as soon as possible. He is a footballer who has been on Madrid's radar for months and will finally arrive at Santiago Bernabéu after a complex negotiation process.
Florentino will pay a bonus of €5 million
The operation hasn't been easy. Benfica didn't want to let go of the player before the Club World Cup, a tournament in which they'll be present and where they aimed to have all their key pieces available.
The Portuguese club toughened their stance in recent weeks and demanded €50 million, even trying to get €10 million more in variables. But Florentino, an expert in lengthy negotiations, has managed to find common ground.
In the end, Real Madrid has agreed to pay that additional "bonus," an amount of about €5 million extra. This way, Xabi Alonso will be able to count on the player for the Club World Cup.
€55 million, final price of the operation
The total transfer fee will be around €55 million, and the player will join before the Club World Cup, just as Real Madrid wanted.
Carreras, who can play both as a left-back and a wing-back, was one of the top targets to strengthen the left flank. This is especially important considering the physical doubts surrounding Ferland Mendy. Real Madrid's sporting management believes the Spaniard is a safe bet for the future, with great potential and room for growth.
The player, meanwhile, has shown a willingness at all times to sign for Madrid. Despite having significant offers from the Premier League, Carreras has prioritized Real Madrid's sporting project. He also values the opportunity to work under Xabi Alonso, who has personally approved his signing.
He will sign for six seasons
They are waiting for him with open arms at Valdebebas. The club has already prepared his presentation for the end of July, and sources close to the player confirm that he has signed for six seasons. It's a long contract that shows the club's absolute trust in his abilities.
Thus, Real Madrid adds another Spanish talent to their squad and continues their strategy of rejuvenating the team with smart signings. Álvaro Carreras is now a Madrid player, and Florentino works his magic in the offices once again.