Álvaro Carreras's signing hanging in the air: Xabi Alonso halts the deal, asks for time

The first team white squad players seem to have already grasped the basic precepts of the tactical philosophy used by Xabi Alonso. The best example of this trend could be seen in the match against RB Salzburg, a dominant and resounding victory for the white team that highlighted most of its footballing strengths.

One of the players who has escaped the attention of the media, but who is well valued by the merengue coaching staff, would complicate a pending signing this summer. Fran García's performance in the first three matches of the Club World Cup has improved with each game, a trend that hasn't gone unnoticed by anyone at the white club.

From the Valdebebas offices, they wouldn't have changed their mind regarding the signing of Álvaro Carreras. The top brass led by Florentino Pérez don't want to leave a player who wanted to play in the Club World Cup with the white team's jersey out in the cold. The tough negotiations with Benfica have prevented that desired future for both the player and the merengue leadership.

Meanwhile, the signing of Álvaro Carreras is waiting to be finalized, Fran García is taking advantage of the opportunities given by Xabi Alonso. Especially with the new three-center-back system seen against RB Salzburg. That positioning on the field allows him to exploit his great physical ability, high top speed, and tendency to join the attack.

More complications for a difficult transfer

The defensive errors of the Castilian-Manchegan '20' have dropped drastically compared to his performance under Carlo Ancelotti's tactical command. The improvement of the Spanish footballer in all facets of the game is not only due to Fran García's own growth, who is much more alert to those tasks typical of a full-back.

The system created by Xabi Alonso offers more "defensive protection" to the merengue defender, preventing his flank from being a weak and easily exploitable area for opposing strikers. The combination of both events has put the signing of Álvaro Carreras in a very complicated position.

Xabi Alonso likes Fran García's progression during the first matches of the Club World Cup... the signing of Álvaro Carreras is an addition that requires a considerable effort from Santiago Bernabéu's coffers: €50 million. While it's true that signing a left-back is his request, Fran García's quality is making him doubt that possible operation.

Above all because Fran García would take the starting spot at the beginning of the 25/26 season, leaving Ferland Mendy as the top-level substitute for the position. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are still closely monitoring the situation of an Álvaro Carreras who desired, at this point, to face Juventus and not Chelsea.