Carreras Incoming Prompts Sale of Others

Real Madrid are close to signing Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras, but his arrival will force the club to sell either Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy. With three left-backs untenable, one must depart to make room for the new signing. Benfica are holding firm on Carreras’ €50 million release clause, though Madrid are negotiating for a lower fee.

The deal is expected to be finalized after the FIFA Club World Cup due to registration restrictions. Ferland Mendy, 30, is under contract until 2027 but has been plagued by injuries. His fitness issues make him a likely candidate for sale, though they may also reduce his market value.

Fran Garcia, 25, has a clean injury record and has drawn interest from clubs like Bournemouth, Rayo Vallecano, and Atletico Madrid. His €20 million valuation could make a transfer easier to facilitate. Garcia is expected to start at the Club World Cup, giving him a final chance to prove his worth. However, Xabi Alonso’s preference for Carreras suggests Garcia’s time at Madrid is nearing an end.

The decision will come down to balancing youth and experience. Garcia’s potential and Mendy’s injury history will be key factors in determining who stays and who leaves. Mendy’s experience could still be valuable, but his unreliable fitness makes him a risk. If Madrid can find a buyer, his departure would free up wages and squad space. Garcia, on the other hand, is a more stable option but may not fit Alonso’s long-term plans.

A sale could bring in immediate funds for further reinforcements. Carreras’ arrival signals a shift in Madrid’s defensive strategy, prioritizing a younger, more dynamic option at left-back. The club is clearly planning for the future. With the transfer window heating up, Madrid must act quickly to finalize Carreras’ signing and resolve the left-back situation.

The Club World Cup performances could be decisive. The coming weeks will be crucial as Real Madrid reshapes their squad, with Carreras’ signing marking the beginning of a new defensive era.