Real Madrid have completed their third defensive signing of the summer transfer window, bringing in Alvaro Carreras. Benfica has agreed to let the Spanish left-back go after initially including him in their FIFA Club World Cup squad last month.
The Portuguese side confirmed that Real Madrid was interested in re-signing Carreras, who had previously played for the club at youth level. However, their initial offers were turned down. Now that both teams are free from Club World Cup engagements, the transfer has been finalized.
Real Madrid clinches Carreras’ transfer
Initially, Real Madrid aimed to finalize the transfer for around €40 million, but Benfica insisted on the full €50 million release clause. Club legend Rui Costa and head coach Bruno Lage had previously stated that no deal would be reached for the 22-year-old in June.
While not much has changed since then, Real Madrid has agreed to pay the release clause in full, but in instalments. Carreras’ arrival raises questions about the futures of Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy, both of whom have been linked with potential exits.
Fran Garcia offered Serie A exit route
Garcia played in all six matches for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup and showed glimpses of his ability, particularly with Mendy sidelined due to injury. The Spain international is looking for fresh opportunities, though, as his playing time is probably going to reduce.
Serie A team AC Milan is reportedly preparing to bid €20 million for a new left-back, according to reports from Diario Sport. Recent events have led to this move, as their current left-back, Theo Hernandez, a former Real Madrid player, accepted a lucrative offer to join Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League. In order to find a suitable successor who can maintain the team’s competitive standards in both domestic and European games, AC Milan is eager to bolster their defense and close the gap created by Hernandez’s departure.
