Real Madrid is at a crossroads regarding the signing of Álvaro Carreras. The 22-year-old left-back from Benfica was the main option to strengthen that position.
However, negotiations have become complicated due to the demands of the Portuguese club.
Benfica wants Álvaro Carreras in the Club World Cup
Benfica insists that Real Madrid pay the €50 million release clause to free the player. In addition, they want to have Carreras for the Club World Cup, which would delay his arrival to the white team.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is seeking a price reduction or a more favorable payment structure. So far, there haven't been any significant advances.
Xabi Alonso wants to have the player available for the Club World Cup. If that's not possible, the deal could be in jeopardy.

Two international stars as plan B for Real Madrid
Given this situation, Florentino Pérez has started to consider alternatives. One of them is Theo Hernández, current AC Milan player and former Madridist.
The Frenchman is under contract until 2026, but his relationship with the Italian club has cooled. His price would be around €25 million ($27.2 million), a more affordable figure for Real Madrid.
Another option being considered is Alejandro Grimaldo, who has shined under Xabi Alonso's management at Bayer Leverkusen. Grimaldo, trained at La Masia, has shown a high level in the Bundesliga and could be a strategic addition.

€25 million ($27.2 million) to advance three signings
Real Madrid has until June 10 to finalize signings before the Club World Cup. The final decision will depend on negotiations with Benfica and the viability of the alternatives.
Florentino already had to pay €5 million ($5.4 million) to advance Xabi Alonso's signing and €10 million ($10.9 million) so Liverpool would allow Alexander-Arnold to play in white at the Club World Cup.
Paying €10 million ($10.9 million) more for Carreras now would mean that Real Madrid would spend €25 million ($27.2 million) to advance their three signings. This is an issue that the white club's board is currently considering.