Real Madrid are set for a busy summer after failing to keep up with Barcelona in the Spanish league and other top clubs in Europe this season.
The Spanish giant failed to defend the La Liga title won last season, losing out to Barcelona just weeks after the Catalonia club defeated them to win the Copa Del Rey. Carlo Ancelotti will leave his role as the team manager and Xabi Alonso is expected to replace him.
Ahead of what looks like a new era, Madrid have reportedly identified Alvaro Carreras as their priority signing for the left-back position, shutting the door on a potential move for Alejandro Grimaldo.
Álvaro Carreras of SL Benfica. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
According to Cadena SER (via RM4 Arab), Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Benfica for the 22-year-old Spaniard, with the deal set to be finalised before the FIFA Club World Cup.
Carreras is expected to sign a contract that runs until 2031 and will earn a salary close to €9 million annually. The final paperwork with Benfica is reportedly being wrapped up, and an official announcement is anticipated soon.
Carreras, a product of the Manchester United academy who impressed during his loan spell at Preston North End before joining Benfica, has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising full-backs.
Grimaldo’s name was also mentioned but Madrid have decided to move forward with a younger, high-potential player in Carreras.
