Enrique Sanz The figure for which Carreras hasn't signed for Real Madrid yet: Benfica stand firm
Madrid put a €40 million offer on the table, but Benfica stood firm at €48 million
Álvaro Carreras's signing by Real Madrid hasn't arrived in time. The deal, which had been very advanced for days, has stalled due to a financial difference between the clubs. Only eight million separated the left-back from the white team.
Madrid put a €40 million offer on the table. Benfica, meanwhile, agreed to lower its €50 million clause, but didn't want to go below €48 million. Negotiations stalled within that margin.
Both parties tried to reach an agreement before June 10, the deadline to register players in the first FIFA window. But they didn't succeed. That has had consequences.
Carreras travels with Benfica to the World Cup
Without an agreement, Álvaro Carreras remains a Benfica player. The left-back has been included in the squad list for the Club World Cup and has already traveled to the United States with the Portuguese team.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, is left without its desired signing to strengthen the left-back position in this international event. Despite the setback, the club hasn't abandoned the deal. They trust they'll close the transfer in August, but they lose Carreras for this tournament.
Madrid's plan to arrive at the Club World Cup with the squad finalized included the names of Xabi Alonso as the new coach, Huijsen in defense, Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back, and Carreras for the left-back. Three of those four reinforcements have been achieved. Only one has failed.
Fran García, only left-back available
Given this situation, Fran García will be the only natural left-back Xabi Alonso will have in the tournament. The Basque coach has also included Yusi, a Castilla player, in the squad as an alternative.
Benfica, meanwhile, remains firm in its stance. They consider Carreras a key player and believe his value shouldn't be lowered further than set. There is no pressure from the footballer's camp. Although the desire to wear white is there, the situation won't be forced.
Real Madrid will keep insisting. Talks with Benfica will continue, but the first desired outcome, which was to have him for the Club World Cup, has slipped away.
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