Real Madrid News
Real Madrid make the re-signing of ex-academy talent a top priority with Huijsen deal done
According to a recent report from MARCA, Real Madrid have made Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras a top priority to reinforce their left flank ahead of the new season.
As the club prepares to enter a new era under Xabi Alonso, the need for fresh blood at full-back has pushed Carreras to the top of the shortlist.
It must be noted that Carreras is protected by a €50 million release clause, but Madrid are hoping to negotiate a lower fee directly with Benfica.
While the clause is high, the 22-year-old Spaniard is viewed as a long-term solution with significant upside, capable of competing for a starting role immediately while also growing into a vital figure in the future.
Issue with Manchester United
The main complication in the deal lies not in Benfica’s demands, but in Manchester United’s preemptive buy-back clause, reportedly set at €18 million and valid until December 31.
While United have not made their position public yet, MARCA suggests that Real Madrid’s sporting directors do not intend to involve the Premier League club in any potential negotiations.
Encouragingly for Los Blancos, Carreras is understood to have no desire to return to England, which gives Madrid a significant edge in talks.
There is a replacement in mind
Should negotiations stall or collapse, Real Madrid have lined up alternative options. Among them is Milos Kerkez, Bournemouth’s dynamic left-back. He fits the profile of a modern full-back that Alonso could use to stretch the field and contribute in both phases of play.
Another option who has been floated, but is not a priority, is Theo Hernandez of AC Milan. Though once on Madrid’s books, the Frenchman’s high price and stylistic fit may not align with the club’s current vision.
This renewed urgency in the transfer market is part of Real Madrid’s wider plan to bolster depth and competition across the backline.
With Dean Huijsen’s signing close to completion, the club is focused on building a younger, more athletic defence capable of meeting the demands of modern football.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
