Real Madrid have been trying to sign talented left-back Alvaro Carreras for several weeks, but unfortunately, the transfer has not gone through yet. The Spanish giants are in need of a reliable left-back, and manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear that strengthening that position is one of his top priorities.
Alonso is looking to build a balanced and dynamic team, and Carreras fits the profile he’s searching for. The young defender is known for his strong two-way play—he can defend solidly, push forward with confidence, and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. His speed also helps him quickly get back into position, which is something Real Madrid’s tactical system needs on the left side of defense.
Having someone like Carreras on the left would complement Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to play on the right side. Trent brings creativity and attacking flair, while Carreras would bring balance with his defensive discipline and overlapping runs. It’s clear that this combination could be powerful for Real Madrid’s squad depth.
Despite Real Madrid’s interest in signing Carreras, they could not finalize the deal in time for the Club World Cup 2025. According to reports, Benfica—Carreras’ current club—was not satisfied with the offers they received. The president of Benfica, Rui Costa, publicly stated:
> “We have not reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Alvaro Carreras. The offers we received did not satisfy our demands.”
This means Carreras will continue to play for Benfica, and he’ll be wearing red for the inaugural Club World Cup tournament. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will go into the competition with limited options at left-back.
At the moment, Fran Garcia is the only senior left-back available in the squad. Alongside him, younger players like Diego Aguado and Yusi are available as backups. While Alonso might trust these young talents, the reality is that facing top teams like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester City in the Club World Cup will require top-level players.
Fran Garcia has not consistently performed at the level needed for such high-stakes matches. That’s why Real Madrid have been so focused on bringing in Carreras—he would bring much-needed quality and security to that side of the pitch.
According to trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid will continue to pursue Alvaro Carreras even after the Club World Cup. The club sees him as a long-term solution for the left-back role. However, for now, Alonso will need to come up with a solid plan to manage without him during the tournament.
In summary, while Real Madrid’s transfer for Carreras is not dead, they’ll need to go into the Club World Cup without him. The club is still determined to win the tournament, but the left-back position remains a major concern heading into this important competition.
