Confirmed, he will be Real Madrid's next left back if Carreras falls through.

During the past few weeks, one of the names most linked to Real Madrid has been Álvaro Carreras. Having tried to sign him before the Club World Cup, Benfica prevented this deal by all possible means. While the plan now is to sign Carreras after the World Cup (Mundial), Real Madrid is prepared in case another problem arises.

With Benfica making it clear that it doesn't acknowledge any offer from Real Madrid, the club has now set its sights on Alejandro Grimaldo. The Bayer Leverkusen full-back and Spanish international is now a target for the club. His performance over the past seasons has been more than solid, fulfilling both offensive and defensive duties. 

Although Real Madrid hasn't given up on Carreras, Benfica's problems are starting to become annoying. This, along with Fran García's high level, has raised doubts about whether to actually go through with signing the Benfica full-back. 

Real Madrid's plan B

At 22 years old, Álvaro Carreras had a solid debut season with Benfica. Playing 4,520 min. (4.520 minutos) throughout the season, Carreras easily secured the club's starting spot.  Standing out especially in his defensive aspects, Carreras has presented himself as a serious threat to Fran García and Ferland Mendy. 

However, Alejandro Grimaldo's experience and talent are clearly surpassing Álvaro Carreras in this operation. At 29 years old, Grimaldo knows Xabi Alonso perfectly from the time they shared at Bayer Leverkusen.

Performing in the 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 system managed by Xabi, Grimaldo wouldn't have any problem adapting. Although there haven't been any approaches so far between Bayer and Real Madrid, the good relationship between both clubs could speed up this possible signing.

Waiting for Carreras

Focused on its match against Juventus in the round of 16 of the World Cup (Mundial), Real Madrid will wait to address the Carreras issue. Whether it happens or not, Real Madrid is clear that it won't be left without a reinforcement for the left-back position to face next season.