COPE reveals it: Carreras's signing stalls after being practically finalized

Real Madrid has already announced the signings of Xabi Alonso as coach, and of Huijsen and Alexander Arnold. It seemed that the next on the list was going to be left-back, Álvaro Carreras. However, days have passed and the official statement still hasn't been published.

Although the agreement between Carreras and Real Madrid is complete, his signing has stalled. That's what they reported on COPE, where journalist Melchor Ruiz has provided updates. "Real Madrid keeps trying to unblock a deal that had a preliminary agreement with Benfica" he said.

Real Madrid had started negotiating with the Portuguese club several days ago. Although everything was postponed until the final of the Portuguese Cup that the Portuguese team had to play. After that match, in which they were defeated by Sporting CP, everything seems to have changed.

Melchor has continued pointing out what happened and why a signing that seemed done has stopped. "Benfica is entrenched in demanding the €50 million release clause, they're not budging from there" he notes. So the sale price is what's currently making his arrival difficult.

Benfica wants to use Real Madrid's rush with Carreras's signing

Real Madrid has already added Alexander Arnold and Huijsen so they can play in the Club World Cup. The intention they had with Álvaro Carreras was for him to be able to participate in that event as well. But Benfica wants to use that urgency to keep a firm stance in negotiations.

It's also important to keep in mind that Benfica will play in the Club World Cup like Madrid. That's why they're standing firm with the possibility of losing a starting player. It would be a heavy blow with just over a week left before this transfer window closes.

It's clear that the World Cup could affect everything and even cause Carreras not to be a Madridist yet. Álvaro has already informed Benfica of his desire to leave for Bernabéu. But that could happen after this summer's event.