Real Madrid News
Real Madrid working on final details to re-sign former academy talent for €50 million
The transfer saga involving Alvaro Carreras is close to its conclusion as after a lengthy and challenging negotiation process, Real Madrid and Benfica are now working on the final details of the left-back’s move, reports MARCA.
The Merengues had made the 22-year-old defender, who left their academy back in 2020, the top target to reinforce the left-back position this summer and are now poised to secure his signing.
Deal set to be concluded
The process has not been straightforward, but Real Madrid’s strong interest in Carreras and the player’s desire to leave ultimately persuaded Benfica to allow the move.
The Portuguese giants, known for their tough negotiations, did not make it easy for Los Blancos, as they held firm on the player’s €50 million release clause and were also reluctant to let him leave in time for the FIFA Club World Cup as they are also participating.
And, as per the report, Benfica agreed only to one concession – permitting Carreras to play in the Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso.
Financially, however, Benfica will receive the full amount of the player’s release clause, despite Real Madrid’s attempts to negotiate a fee lower than the €50 million amount.
Carreras and Real Madrid had hoped to finalise the deal last week, allowing the player to avoid returning to Benfica training. However, the Portuguese club’s firm stance delayed the timeline.
Despite this, the young left-back has maintained a professional attitude throughout. On Tuesday afternoon, Carreras resumed training with Benfica in Lisbon, continuing to work while awaiting the finalisation of his transfer.
Both clubs are now working to conclude the agreement, following which Benfica are expected to disclose the exact sale price and outline any performance-based variables included in the deal.
With the transfer of Franco Mastantuono also understood to be close, Real Madrid could pull off two deals in the next few hours.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend Raul sends message to Vinicius after Bernabeu whistles: ‘Has to know the crowd is very demanding’
Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul Gonzalez has given his opinion on Vinicius Jr. being whistled at by fans at the Santiago Bernabeu last night during the game against Inter Milan.
One of the main talking points from the match, which Los Blancos won 2-1, was the reaction of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd to Vinicius, who was booed by sections of the stadium.
Raul defends Vinicius’ work without the ball
Speaking after the game, Raul claimed that was impressed by the Brazilian’s contribution defensively, even though he felt Vinicius was not at his best going forward.
“He was very committed defensively. He contributed a lot and defended like one of the team. He wasn’t quite at his best going forward and then Mourinho congratulated him,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
The former Real Madrid striker also warned Vinicius that expectations at the Bernabeu are extremely high.
“He has to know that the Bernabeu crowd is very demanding and always wants the maximum.”
Raul believes the Brazilian is simply going through a temporary dip in form and expects him to return to his best soon.
“He’s not at his best at the moment, but I’m sure that in one or two weeks he’ll be back at his maximum level. He’s a player who never gives up and always tries to be at his best,” he stated.
An important result
Looking at the match as a whole, Raul felt the most important thing was securing victory against a well-organised Inter side.
“The best thing is that they got the three points. It wasn’t easy because Inter are a team with a very well-worked structure and Madrid had several absences in midfield,” he said.
“The goals for Madrid came from mistakes in the build-up. Then they had some very clear chances and Inter’s goal created uncertainty at the end, but it’s a good result to start the campaign,” the legendary striker added.
Raul singled out Thibaut Courtois for particular praise, highlighting the goalkeeper’s importance to Real Madrid’s ambitions this season, saying:
“He was one of the best players in the match. He’s been performing at a very high level over the last few seasons and has always been there when he’s been needed.”
“He has kept the team alive. I think he’s a fundamental player and gives a team the balance not only to win matches, but to win titles at the end of the year.”
Raul believes Real Madrid missed Guler, backs Mbappe for Ballon d’Or
The former Real Madrid captain also identified something he felt was missing from Mourinho’s side: a player of Arda Guler’s quality.
“A profile like his was missing. He has a lot of enthusiasm and is very motivated,” he stated.
Raul believes the Turkish midfielder can provide an important creative link with the attacking players, alongside Bernardo Silva.
“He’s the one who can provide passes to the players further forward, together with Bernardo Silva. Both have experience and, as he adapts to the demands of the level, everything will be much better,” he added.
Raul was also asked about the Ballon d’Or and specifically Kylian Mbappe’s chances of winning the award.
He acknowledged the Frenchman’s quality and his strong year, while noting that the award has changed considerably compared with previous eras.
“He has quality. I think he’s had a great year,” he noted.
“I’d like it to be a Spaniard, but if it isn’t a Spaniard, I’d vote for Kylian,” Raul concluded.
