Real Madrid were expected to be busy this summer. Big names were linked. Big decisions needed to be made.
One of those decisions was on the left side of the defence. For weeks, the focus had been clear.
The club was looking outside Spanish league for answers. A young player from Portugal had caught their eye. He is quick, technical, and full of potential.
Madrid scouts liked what they saw. The board was reportedly ready to trigger his €50 million release clause. Talks had started moving in that direction. A deal seemed close.
But then something changed. Not in Lisbon, but in the United States.
During the Club World Cup, someone within the squad stepped up. A player few expected to shine made a strong impression.
He had struggled under Carlo Ancelotti. Some questioned his future. His defensive work was doubted.
His place in the team looked shaky. But in the last few matches, that story flipped.
The new manager gave him a chance. He took it. And suddenly, Real Madrid had a fresh problem, one they welcomed.
As Fichajes reports, the Alvaro Carreras to Real Madrid deal has now cooled. And, the reason is Fran Garcia.
The Spanish full-back has bounced back at the perfect time. He is solid at the back and brave going forward. His revival has caught the attention of the board.
Now, Madrid are no longer in a rush to sign a new left-back. Carreras, once seen as a key target, is now just an option under review.
Benfica will not sell him cheap either. They point to his full release clause.
Xabi Alonso now faces a choice. Should he trust the returning form of Fran Garcia or push for Alvaro Carreras despite the rising price?
Nothing is ruled out yet. But Madrid’s summer plans have clearly shifted. One good tournament changed everything.
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