Real Madrid is determined to bring in a new left back for next season. The constant injuries to Mendy and the poor performance of Fran García have forced the Whites to strengthen a position that has been key in recent decades for the club. It seems that Florentino Pérez already has a candidate for the position, Álvaro Carreras, but tough negotiations with Benfica are on the horizon.
Problems at left back
Real Madrid thought they had the left-back position covered for the last two seasons, with Mendy established as one of the best defensive specialists in that position, Fran García whose progress gave cause for optimism, and David Alaba as third choice for specific moments, the position where he began his career as a footballer. However, everything has fallen apart in the last two years.
First came Alaba’s injury last season. After a serious knee injury, the player returned to the pitch in February and is still far from his best. He is expected to be fit enough to offer quality minutes at center back next season, but it is unlikely that he will be able to contribute at left back. Then it was Mendy, who has had a turbulent year, with injury after injury preventing him from performing during the season. And finally, Fran García, who in these two seasons has not shown that he has the necessary quality to be a reliable full-back for the team.
Álvaro Carreras is the chosen one
Real Madrid has searched Europe to find a full-back who can adapt to the needs of this squad, and the man chosen is Álvaro Carreras. The player came up through La Fábrica, knows the club, but had to leave the team in search of opportunities. After signing for Manchester United, where he also failed to make the grade, he arrived at Benfica, where he has been able to flourish as a footballer. We are talking about a player of great stature, with a very high defensive level. But he also has great potential in attack and knows how to take advantage of the second line to exploit spaces and create dangerous plays.
The problem would be his transfer fee, as the player has a release clause of €50 million, a price that Real Madrid is not willing to pay, and would seek a reduction of at least €10-15 million to bring the player back. It will not be an easy negotiation, but the Whites will try to make it happen.
Alejandro Grimaldo in the wings
Real Madrid is also considering Alejandro Grimaldo to fill the full-back position. The Spanish international from Bayer Leverkusen would come with the backing of Xabi Alonso, who is still his current coach. He is not as strong defensively as Carreras, but he is a better attacker. In addition, he has a spectacular shot, which is very valuable for set pieces, a resource that Real Madrid exploits season after season.
Real Madrid continues to plan for next season, and left back is one of the positions to be strengthened along with the rest of the defense. It has been proven that a good attack is useless without a good defense, and the team does not want to repeat the mistakes of this season. Carreras is the man chosen and the one who best fits the philosophy that Xabi Alonso wants to impose at Real Madrid, but Alex Grimaldo is also an option. One of them will be a Real Madrid player next season, but it seems unlikely that they will be able to join the team in time for the Club World Cup.