Real Madrid has had a problematic season in terms of defense. It is therefore not surprising that its moves in the transfer market have been aimed at strengthening this area with the arrival of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carreras. The latter took his time, but he arrives to improve the performance of a left wing that has caused many problems throughout the season with Ferland Mendy perpetually injured and Fran García not enjoying the support of Carlo Ancelotti. Now, everything has taken a 180-degree turn.
Carreras arrives to solve a problem
After tough and tense negotiations with Benfica, Real Madrid finally signed Álvaro Carreras to strengthen the left-back position, one of the positions that has been in question this season. He is a big full-back: his 1.86 m height makes him a reliable defender, with good aerial play and very effective in man-to-man marking. He has attacking potential, which would fit in well with Xabi Alonso’s idea of playing with three center backs and two wingbacks. He also demonstrated his potential by causing Lamine Yamal headaches in his Champions League clash with Barça.
Fran García earns his place
Fran García showed his best form during the Club World Cup and benefited greatly from the system of three center backs and two wingbacks. It was a performance that he himself appreciated and which has earned him his place. “Because of my style of play and my physical qualities, I try to give my best not only for myself but also for the team. I try to be ready every time I get the chance to play and help my teammates. The situation I’m in today with the team is something you work for. Now that I have it, I want to make the most of it, enjoy it, and give my best, both individually and collectively. I finished last year well, I think the feelings were good. We have to keep working, polishing things. It’s an evolution that we have to continue. We can all improve a little bit. If I do, the club will appreciate it, my teammates will too, and I’m sure we’ll do well.”
And he’ll do well, because according to AS, Real Madrid’s decision is final and Fran García is not for sale. The club has rejected all offers for the left-back because it is counting on him for Xabi Alonso’s future project. The player has always been very clear that he wanted to prove himself and stay at Real Madrid, and he seems to have achieved his goal, as he is now considered untransferable.
Mendy on his way out
On the other side of the coin is Ferland Mendy. In France, they claim that the club will set a “friendly price” to facilitate the full-back’s departure. This has been talked about in recent weeks, as the club is aware that the best option is to go for Fran García, even though he has a higher market value. They know that with the Frenchman out of action due to injury, it will be difficult to manage his departure, so they have set an affordable price of around €10-15 million to try to facilitate his sale. In France, the full-back has a market, with Marseille and Rennes being mentioned, so the next few weeks could be crucial for the full-back’s future.