The transfer of Álvaro Carreras has become one of the most talked-about topics of the summer. Real Madrid had everything ready. But Benfica changed its mind at the last minute.
Xabi Alonso requested his arrival before the start of the Club World Cup. He trusted him to strengthen the left back position. His profile fit perfectly with the new project.
Florentino Pérez had agreed to pay 50 million. The agreement seemed a matter of days. However, the lack of response from the Portuguese froze the negotiations.
Benfica backed out and Real Madrid changes plans due to Fran García's performance
Álvaro Carreras stayed at Benfica and participated with its team in the Club World Cup. Meanwhile, Fran García is shining in every match with a level that surprises everyone.
That has made Florentino start to have doubts about the operation. Spending 50 million now seems excessive. In addition, the internal performance was higher than the desired one.
That's why Real Madrid has stopped the operation. The context is no longer the same. Benfica has noticed it quickly.
Benfica doesn't want to lose Álvaro Carreras without benefits and proposes a swap
Given this scenario, Benfica has taken a step forward. They don't want to lose Álvaro Carreras without receiving something important in return. At the Portuguese club, they know that Florentino Pérez won't pay 50 million, so they've proposed a very interesting swap.
In addition to a financial sum, they've demanded the inclusion of a young white prospect. This is Gonzalo García, one of the great surprises of the Club World Cup.
His role is proving key in the tournament. He has shown character, quality, and a lot of personality. So much so that he has earned a place in Real Madrid's locker room.
Florentino values Gonzalo's performance, but Xabi insists Álvaro is key
The problem is that, if Xabi Alonso wants Álvaro Carreras, Gonzalo García must leave. That's how clear Benfica's proposal is. The fullback's future depends on this swap.
Florentino finds himself in a delicate situation. On one hand, he doesn't want to weaken its base of young talents, but on the other, he respects the coach's requests. Madrid will have to make a decision soon, since they can't let the issue drag on much longer. Benfica knows it.
The market remains open and both boards prepare for lengthy negotiation
The Portuguese side is willing to exhaust its options. They don't give up on closing a big deal. Real Madrid is carefully studying all scenarios.
Xabi Alonso insists that Álvaro Carreras would make the difference, but he also acknowledges that Gonzalo is a valuable piece. For this reason, Florentino will have the final say and will decide whether to prioritize the present with Álvaro or the future with Gonzalo.