Real Madrid has had a season in which poor defensive performance has been one of the main problems. Beyond the injuries that have greatly affected Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup, the performance of several players in the defensive line has been well below the level required to play for Real Madrid.
It is therefore no surprise that Real Madrid’s main targets in the transfer market are focused on the back line. During the January transfer window, the club considered signing reinforcements for the defense, with Davies, a left back, standing out above the rest, but he ultimately chose to renew his contract. Now, looking ahead to the summer, the club is searching for a center back and a left back. The right-back position has already been filled with the signing of Alexander-Arnold.
The problem with the left-back
Mendy and Fran García have not performed as expected and one will have to leave to sign a reinforcement for the left side of the defense. The decision will depend on Xabi Alonso, but the truth is that Ferland Mendy, now injured, was initially the starting full-back, while the Spanish full-back has not enjoyed the confidence of Carlo Ancelotti as he has not been up to standard.
In addition, with the summer transfer window approaching, Fran García has several high-profile suitors willing to pay €30 million for him, which is undoubtedly more than tempting to let the player go and open the door to one of the candidates who have been linked with the club for weeks.
As we said, the first option for this position that was considered within the club was Alphonso Davies, who could have arrived as a free agent, but he ended up renewing with Bayern Munich a few months ago. Another name that has been included on the list is Theo Hernández. Milos Kerkez, from Bournemouth, has also been mentioned, and he is very much to the liking of the club.
The option of bringing back Miguel Gutiérrez from Girona was also considered, but this seems to have been ruled out as the club prefers to pocket the money from a possible sale of the player. Jorrel Hato, from Ajax, has also entered the pool of potential candidates, as he is highly regarded for his versatility.
With the arrival of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, the Spanish coach has proposed two options. On the one hand, Piero Hincapié, who could also play a dual role, but who will not come cheap. The coach’s other recommendation is Alejando Grimaldo, who has gained momentum in recent weeks, but not as much as Álvaro Carreras, who now seems to be the leading candidate.
Negotiations for Álvaro Carreras
According to Ramón Álvarez de Mon, the Benfica left-back is “the number one candidate” for Real Madrid in the transfer market. “I know that the player is up for it, as I told you at the time, and that Madrid is working in some way to close the deal as soon as possible,” the journalist said.
According to this source, Álvaro Carreras has a €50 million release clause that Real Madrid is trying to lower by focusing negotiations for the Spanish full-back on that point. The fact is that Concha Espina is exploring all opportunities, but they do not want to throw money away. What is clear is that they will sign a left-back, probably before the Club World Cup, as Mendy will not be fit in time for the summer tournament due to injury, and Camavinga, who has been playing at left-back this season, will also be unavailable for the same reason.