Real Madrid seemed to have closed the tap on signings this summer, but that's not the case. There is still time left in the transfer window and important moves to be made. Although the squad has already undergone some key additions, such as Dean Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold, there is one more name on the table: Álvaro Carreras.
Mendy, a worrying absence
Ferland Mendy's injury has been a hard blow for Xabi Alonso. The French full-back is suffering from a rupture of the proximal tendon of the rectus femoris in his right quadriceps. In other words: he won't be available until October (octubre), and no one can guarantee that he'll return at 100%.
Faced with that gap, the club has activated an emergency plan. Carreras, Galician and with potential, is the chosen one. His signing has been on the club's agenda for some time. They tried to close the deal before the Club World Cup, but Benfica blocked the operation at the last moment.
Fran García surprises, but doesn't fully convince
During the Club World Cup in the U.S., Fran García has stepped up, has been consistent, willing, and has performed above what was expected. In matches against Al-Hilal and Pachuca, he has shown that he can compete.
However, Xabi Alonso doesn't see him as the definitive solution yet. Despite his commitment, the coach still has doubts. He knows that he needs more security and depth at left-back, which is why he insists on signing Carreras.
Carreras, a 50-million signing
The problem isn't the player, it's the price. Carreras has a 50-million-euro clause and Benfica doesn't want to negotiate. Although they accepted the payment at the time, right before the Club World Cup they changed their stance.
This has caused significant anger in the player's circle. Carreras feels that they've clipped his wings. Meanwhile, the Portuguese club has already covered itself with two new full-backs: Samuel Dahl and Amad Dedic. Everything suggests that his departure is only a matter of time.
Xabi doesn't want to wait
With Mendy out and Fran still not established, Xabi Alonso has put on the pressure. He is asking for Carreras as soon as possible. He knows that with a season full of matches and a Champions League on the horizon, he needs a reliable and experienced player.
It's not about signing for the sake of signing. It's about strengthening a critical area. That's why the coach insists on a move that is expensive, but that can prevent many headaches in the medium term.
End of the transfer window? Not even close
Many believed that Real Madrid had already finished its shopping. That's not the case. The transfer window has barely started and if Xabi is sure of anything, it's that to compete on all fronts, you have to be prepared.
Carreras could be the last piece, or maybe not. What is certain is that, although he is already a starter, Xabi Alonso isn't satisfied, because at Madrid, it's not enough to just be there. You have to perform and do it right away.