There's a certain tension in the offices at Santiago Bernabéu. Negotiations for the signing of Álvaro Carreras, Benfica's left-back, have become more complicated than desired.
Florentino Pérez, who had given the green light to finalize his signing as a bet for the future, has started to lose patience. The stance of the Portuguese club, which is now demanding more money for the transfer, hasn't been well received.
Real Madrid's president, who wanted to have Carreras for the Club World Cup, has issued a direct ultimatum to Benfica. Either they accept the terms set from Valdebebas... or the club will withdraw from the deal.
Florentino isn't willing to play the auction game, especially not for a player who still needs to prove himself at the top level.
Madrid already has a "better" alternative
The big surprise is that Real Madrid already has a plan B. According to Sky Sports, it's even considered better than Carreras.
It's a French defender who's been followed for months by the sporting management. He also has the backing of Juni Calafat and José Ángel Sánchez.
The message is clear: if Benfica doesn't come to its senses, Real Madrid will move on without looking back. It won't be a drama. The white club has been ahead of the market for years, and this situation won't be the exception.
Florentino's ultimatum, firm and direct
Florentino has spoken loud and clear. The left-back will arrive, but not at any price. In Chamartín, they don't want to repeat past mistakes or give in to last-minute pressure.
They liked Carreras, yes, but he's not essential. The president has made it clear: "I've got someone better."
This statement has been interpreted as a direct message to Benfica... but also as a show of strength. Real Madrid has a plan for everything. If Carreras doesn't understand that wearing white is a unique opportunity, someone else will do it with more ambition and fewer demands.
The deal could be solved this very week. Either it's closed on Real Madrid's terms... or the signing of the new hidden option will be reactivated in the short term.
Florentino doesn't wait. When he gets fed up, he acts.
The hidden option Real Madrid is negotiating with
The hidden option is Ibrahima Konate, a 26-year-old French international defender who's 6 ft. 4 in. tall (1.94 meters). He plays for Liverpool and his contract ends in 2026. As happened with Trent Alexander-Arnold, he's shown no interest in renewing it.
A leak from Real Madrid has reached Sky Sports confirming the white club's interest in signing him.
It's not a signing for this summer, but for the medium term, looking ahead to next summer, when he'll be a free agent and can wear the white jersey at zero cost.
Florentino has asked him not to renew with Liverpool, and that's what he's doing. While waiting for his arrival, Fran García, based on what has been seen in this Club World Cup, isn't a bad solution.