Real Madrid has identified the signing of Álvaro Carreras as its priority for next season, aiming to have him available immediately to compete in the famous Club World Cup. Although negotiations with Benfica were expected to be easy, the Portuguese club still hasn't given in and has made a move that's caused some nervousness at Santiago Bernabéu.
Álvaro Carreras to the World Cup with... Benfica
Marca has discovered that Benfica has decided to force Álvaro Carreras to board the plane this Sunday that will take the Portuguese squad to North America. They intend to use him as a "pressure tactic" with the deal ongoing so that Real Madrid makes a last-minute move and bridges the "financial gap" that exists.
At all times, Benfica has referred to the €50 million ($54 million) release clause in the Spaniard's contract. Meanwhile, Real Madrid isn't offering more than €40 million ($43 million), something that Portugal isn't considering to accept. These are "decisive hours" in which "anything goes" to play the final cards.
This hasn't been an easy process, but those at Real Madrid are certain that Álvaro Carreras is the chosen one. Florentino wanted the deal to be closed last week, to spare the full-back from returning to training with Benfica. However, the stance of the Portuguese side has been difficult to overcome, and their latest pressure tactic is to take him to the Club World Cup.
Problems for Álvaro Carreras
The situation hasn't been solved yet and could become more complicated in the coming days. If Benfica registers the Spaniard in their squad for the World Cup, it could happen that he ends up missing it. If after this he signs for Real Madrid, Carreras wouldn't be able to be registered again, having to follow the tournament from the stands.
Despite this, it is expected that the situation won't reach this extreme. Álvaro Carreras has been clear: he only wants to play for Real Madrid. Madrid is doing everything they can to make it happen, but for now Benfica is making things difficult. These are decisive hours ahead to solve a key deal in Madrid's planning.