Real Madrid has had a season marked by poor defensive performance, which has been one of the main obstacles this season. Beyond the injuries that have greatly affected Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup, the performance of several players on the defensive line has been well below the level required to play for Real Madrid.
The reality is that Real Madrid has suffered this season from being leaky at the back and lacking effectiveness up front. Right now, there are up to six players out in defense, which, added to several others in the rest of the team, meant that the match against Mallorca was played with only 10 first-team players available. This is a problem that the club is trying to solve in the transfer market.
The left-back, a problem
Specifically, the left-back position has been one of the main problems, which is why the club wants to turn to the transfer market. Mendy and Fran García have not performed at the expected level and one, or even both, will have to leave to make way for a new signing to strengthen the left side of the defense.
The final decision will be up to Xabi Alonso, but it seems like an easy choice given that Ferland Mendy, who was supposed to be the starting left back, has been injured more than he’s been available to help the team. The alternative was Fran García, who has made mistakes and hasn’t earned Ancelotti’s trust, who has preferred to put Camavinga in that position in important games.
In addition, with the summer transfer window approaching, Fran García has several high-level suitors willing to leave €30 million in the coffers of the white team, which would encourage the club to close the sale and reinvest to improve the left side of the defense, for which names such as Miguel Gutiérrez, Milos Kerkez, and, in recent hours and with more force, Alejandro Grimaldo and Álvaro Carreras have been mentioned.
In the case of Grimaldo, the Spanish international from Bayer Leverkusen would be backed by Xabi Alonso, who is still his current coach, and, as we said, a double signing cannot be ruled out to raise the level and competition on a wing that needs a change. It is a plan B, as the Benfica player is the chosen one for the position.
Álvaro Carreras, signing completed
According to Nano Antón in Defensa Central, Álvaro Carreras will sign with Real Madrid for six seasons. The aforementioned source also puts a date on the signing, with Real Madrid set to close the deal for Álvaro Carreras after the Portuguese Cup final on May 25, meaning he will arrive in time for the Club World Cup. Everything could be finalized for a figure close to €50 million.
Xabi Alonso could therefore count on the former Real Madrid youth player for the Club World Cup. He came through La Fábrica and stayed there until the Cadete category. He then had several experiences, but now his great performance at Benfica will bring him back to the Bernabéu.