All things considered, it’s been quite the hectic summer at Real Madrid so far. Los Blancos parted ways with Carlo Ancelotti after four years at the helm and hired Xabi Alonso as their new manager, and they have wasted little time in retooling his squad by announcing deals for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono. And on Monday, Real completed their fourth signing of the summer with Alvaro Carreras joining from Portuguese heavyweights Benfica for €50 million.
Whereas Huijsen
and Alexander-Arnold have replaced the departing Jesus Vallejo and Lucas Vazquez in defense and assumed to starting roles in the back four, Real are still pursuing deals for other positions like right winger, or a deep-lying playmaker who can replace Luka Modrić following the Croatian’s exit to Milan. However, before they can get to work on splurging on a new signing, Real might very well need to clear space in their wage bill first. They would ideally like to keep hold of young talents with plenty of upside such as Gonzalo García, Endrick and Andriy Lunin as well as valuable backup players like Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler. As such, there are only a few options that Real could consider with regards to a potential sale.
With Huijsen’s arrival taking their center back contingency to five players, Real Madrid could decide to part ways with David Alaba, although his massive wages and recent injury problems will likely sideline their efforts to do so. Rodrygo could also be placed in the shop window, although Real’s astronomical asking price may prevent a deal from materializing this summer. Dani Ceballos, whose contract is set to expire in 2027, could also be moved on in order to clear the way for a much-needed midfield signing. However, one area that is certain to have movement is the left back position.
Carreras’ arrival means that there are currently three left-sided fullbacks fighting for the starting spot at Real Madrid, with fellow Spaniard Fran García and France international Ferland Mendy being the other two. Mendy emerged as the starting choice since arriving in 2019 from Lyon, effectively filling in for Marcelo and proving essential in their conquest of three LaLiga titles and two Champions League titles. However, his lack of attacking verve and his niggling injury issues have forced Real to invest heavily in the transfer market and bring in Carreras, who played for Real’s academy between 2017 - 2020 before joining Manchester United.
Alonso’s tendency to utilize younger players like Guler, Gonzalo Garcia and Huijsen makes it even more likely that Real Madrid will attempt to move on from Mendy rather than Fran Garcia, who emerged as one of the bright sparks of Real’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. After scoring in their 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinal, García told me, “I think that Alonso has given me and the team the confidence to try and compete so that we can help the team as much as possible. As a player, you have to be grateful for that feeling because when you have that continuation and confidence, it helps you a lot to perform on the pitch.”
Mendy has played just one match since the March international break due to persistent muscular issues, and whereas he has a contract until 2028, Fran Garcia’s deal is set to expire in 2027. However, at 30 years of age, it’s clear to see that he’s approaching the end of his peak years, and his blistering speed could very well be hampered by his constant physical issues. Both Garcia (25) and Carreras (22) find themselves well-positioned to not only challenge for the starting left back position of Real Madrid, but of Spain’s as well, but as for Mendy, his time at the Spanish capital looks set to be approaching the finish line.
More from managingmadrid.com:
- Kepa will be Madrid’s only signing this winter
- Ronaldo and Zidane win Globe Soccer Awards for Best Player and Best Coach
- Hazard rejects extension with Chelsea as he wants to be available if Real Madrid want him, says father
- Thierry Henry is Right. Any Mention of Zinedine Zidane Getting The Sack is Comical
- Zidane still not on the hot seat but Benzema will have to prove his worth -report
- Kovacic was told to “follow Messi all around the pitch” during El Clasico against Barcelona
- Zidane needs to try a new midfield
