Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to scout €50 million-rated former academy ace in high-profile encounter
According to a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are closely tracking Alvaro Carreras, the Spanish left-back currently making waves at Benfica.
In fact, representatives from the club are reportedly in Lisbon to observe him during the high-stakes derby clash between Benfica and Sporting CP, underlining just how serious Los Blancos are about strengthening their left side of defence.
The 22-year-old Carreras, who was once part of Real Madrid’s youth academy, has enjoyed a strong season in Portugal, establishing himself as a reliable and dynamic full-back for Benfica.
His performances have naturally drawn interest, especially from a Madrid side desperate for solutions after underwhelming seasons from both Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia.
There will problems
Despite being under contract at Benfica until 2029, Real Madrid have not ruled out a move. However, the Portuguese side are demanding a steep €50 million fee, a valuation Madrid see as excessive.
Still, club officials have reportedly devised a clever workaround strategy to reduce that cost significantly. As reported before, Real Madrid plan to involve Manchester United, who still hold an €18 million buy-back clause for Carreras after selling him to Benfica for €6 million.
Madrid’s idea is to convince United to trigger their clause, bringing Carreras back to Old Trafford.
Once he is back in England, Real Madrid would negotiate directly with United to sign him for a fee in the region of €30–35 million, a substantial saving compared to Benfica’s asking price.
However, it must be noted that while Carreras remains a top option, he is not the only name on Real Madrid’s radar. Ajax’s highly-rated Jorrel Hato is also being considered.
Like Carreras, Hato offers youth, technical quality, and positional flexibility, traits highly valued by Madrid’s current recruitment team.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
