Real Madrid is making a move, although it's not official yet, Álvaro Carreras's signing is practically finalized. Although today, July 1, the club could legally announce his arrival, they've decided to wait.
The reason is clear: FIFA regulations prohibit a player from playing in the same tournament with two different teams. Carreras has already played in the Club World Cup with Benfica and won't be able to do so with Madrid.
A warning with a name
Álvaro Carreras won't join Real Madrid just to watch matches from the bench. The young full-back is clear about it: he wants to be a starter. That could put Fran García in trouble.
According to sources close to the locker room, Carreras has already sent a direct message to his future teammate. It wasn't a threat, but it was a clear warning: he's coming for the left-back spot and doesn't want to be a substitute.
Fran's situation isn't the best; his season has been marked by ups and downs, and his performance has raised doubts. Xabi Alonso, who has just taken charge of the team, is looking for reliability on that flank. Carreras, due to his youth, physique, and attacking profile, fits perfectly with the new coach's idea, "against Juventus he could already be a starter."
Madrid already expected the wait
For weeks, the club knew they wouldn't be able to count on Álvaro until after the World Cup, and that bothered them. They wanted him to be part of the squad already, but the regulations prevent it. "A player can't play in the tournament with two different teams," the rules state; there are no exceptions.
That's why, even though the signing is legal as of today, they've decided to be patient. The official announcement will be made when the tournament ends, with no pressure, no rush. Meanwhile, Carreras will take a few days off; he needs it, the last month has been tough for him.
Benfica didn't help
Benfica's behavior has caused a lot of controversy. The Portuguese club already knew they couldn't keep the player, but they dragged out the situation unnecessarily. The agreement between clubs had been closed for some time, but the Lisbon side didn't want to make his departure easier.
Carreras played the last matches with Benfica without motivation. It was noticeable on the field; his mind was already in Madrid. In reality, the only goal of the Portuguese seemed to be to make life a little harder for the young full-back.