Three people related to soccer, one of them in a suit and the other two in German team uniforms, with a large red X over the players.
Stiller and Schick crossed out, and in front, Xabi Alonso at a microphone | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Neither Stiller nor Schick: A request from Xabi Alonso is about to sign with Madrid

The signing is about to be finalized, with negotiations for his arrival being finalized

by

Borja Díaz

Real Madrid has seen how Xabi Alonso has put several requests on the table for the transfer market. He wanted to strengthen the midfield and Stiller seems to be the player finally chosen. In addition, he has requested a box striker, suggesting the name of Schick, whom he managed at Leverkusen.

However, the player who is closest to signing with Real Madrid is a reinforcement for the left back position. That was another area where Xabi had focused on the market. Finally, the chosen one will be Álvaro Carreras, who could be made official in the coming hours.

A player wearing a Benfica jersey points to the team's crest while a match unfolds in the background.
Álvaro Carreras pointing to Benfica's crest and a match behind him | RealMadridConfidencial

It was in Portugal where the newspaper A Bola reported on the current situation. They consider the deal closed and the signing should take place in a short period of time. Real Madrid and Benfica are finalizing the details of the operation to have everything ready for completion.

Xabi Alonso didn't see Mendy and Fran García's continuity as very clear for next season. He believed he needed to add another name for the left back position. After names like Kerkez, Miguel Gutiérrez, or Theo Hernández were mentioned, they finally opted for Álvaro Carreras.

Real Madrid will finally get their way in the negotiations

Real Madrid wanted to lower the price of his release clause, but that seems to be impossible. Benfica has remained firm regarding the player's transfer, not giving up a single euro. There was another issue that greatly concerned both teams during the negotiations.

Soccer player in a red Benfica jersey celebrating on the field.
Álvaro Carreras shouting during a Benfica match | Real Madrid Confidencial

The issue is that Real Madrid and Benfica are qualified for the Club World Cup. That created a problem regarding when they would finalize Carreras's signing. Both wanted to have him in their squad for this summer's tournament.

It seems that Los Blancos will be the ones who finally get their way in the negotiations. Carreras will arrive before the Club World Cup and therefore will be a reinforcement for Xabi Alonso. With Mendy injured, he will be able to pair him with Fran García to have two left backs available.

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