Real Madrid News
Real Madrid staff unhappy with 2025 summer signing’s ‘attitude and professionalism’ – report
Alvaro Carreras was a major bet made by Real Madrid in the summer last year as they signed the former La Fabrica talent from SL Benfica for a fee of €50 million.
The 23-year-old left-back instantly became a permanent fixture in the starting XI under former manager Alvaro Arbeloa, enjoying a strong start to life back at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, with time, Carreras’ performances declined, inconsistencies crept up in his game, and mistakes started happening on the field.
His significance in the team has been waning since Alvaro Arbeloa took over. So much so that the left-back lost his undisputed starter status in the team, with Ferland Mendy (when fit) and Fran Garcia pushing for more opportunities.
Concerns about Carreras
Now, according to The Athletic, members of the Real Madrid coaching staff have complained about Carreras’ ‘attitude and professionalism’.
This comes after the Spanish left-back was seen smiling on the bench after Mendy’s injury against Espanyol last weekend, with Arbeloa opting to replace the Frenchman with Garcia.
In fact, Carreras has been an unused substitute in three of Real Madrid’s last four games, suggesting how he has dropped down the pecking order.
There have been talks of some tension between the player and Arbeloa himself, but there is some concern within the coaching staff regarding the left-back’s attitude.
The player’s camp, however, dismissed those claims and criticisms surrounding his professionalism.
So far this season, Carreras has played 38 matches across all competitions, scoring and assisting two goals apiece.
With Mendy ruled out for the remainder of the season, it remains to be seen if he gets another opportunity to turn things around or whether Arbeloa opts to continue backing Fran Garcia instead.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
