This is not Real Madrid‘s year, and the results reflect that. If the Champions League defeat against Arsenal was tough, losing the Copa del Rey final against Barça was also difficult to swallow. It was another failure that once again highlighted the positions that need to be strengthened this summer, including left back.
The left side of the defense has been heavily criticized throughout the season, with several players passing through the position without a fixed and undisputed owner. In the Copa del Rey final, several things became clear regarding that position.
With Camavinga, Ancelotti’s first choice for the position, out injured and Alaba struggling, everything pointed to Fran García taking up the left-back spot, but Ancelotti’s lack of confidence was evident when he opted for Mendy, who was just returning from injury and lasted barely eight minutes on the pitch.
A lack of confidence in the Spanish full-back that has been repeated throughout the season, as well as the succession of injuries that Mendy has suffered, has meant that in recent months different names have been mentioned in connection with Real Madrid’s left-back position.
The names that are most popular
Reinforcing the defense is undoubtedly the priority for Real Madrid, which, with Alexander-Arnold signed, is looking for a center back and a left back. In the latter search, several names have emerged to reinforce the left side of the defense.
Within that list, there are two preferred candidates on Florentino Pérez’s agenda. Real Madrid has set its sights on Nuno Mendes, a player who stands out at Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique. PSG will not make it easy for the 22-year-old player, who has a bright future ahead of him, to leave.
The other option is Miguel Gutiérrez, who is currently shining and attracting interest from many top European teams. The Whites have the option to re-sign him, so Florentino Pérez will have to make a decision between now and the end of the season. “Miguel’s desire is clear, but it’s not up to him. We will try to find a solution that suits everyone,” said the player’s agent.
These are not the only names that have been mentioned. Others such as Álvaro Carreras, Andrea Cambiaso, who is very popular at the Bernabéu and is being closely followed, and Milos Kerkez (21), who has become, on his own merits, a mainstay of the Bournemouth project, are also on the list.
Álvaro Carreras’ decision brings him closer to Real Madrid
In the sights of several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, full-back Álvaro Carreras has made a key decision about his future. The 22-year-old Spanish left-back is having a spectacular season with Benfica. Since arriving at Benfica in January 2024, initially on loan from Manchester United and then signed for €6 million, Carreras has been a key player in Bruno Lage’s scheme.
With a €50 million release clause and a contract until 2029, Benfica is in a strong negotiating position given the interest from teams such as Real Madrid, Atleti, Liverpool, and City. Manchester United, the club that transferred him to Benfica, retains a €20 million buy-back option, valid until December 2025, but the English side does not seem willing to activate this clause for now.
The Portuguese club is looking to retain the player and extend his contract. According to the newspaper Record, the Lisbon club offered Carreras a renewal to improve his salary and extend his contract, but the player has rejected the initial proposals. Everything indicates that the Galician player wants to take a step forward in his career.