Real Madrid strengthen defence: Alexander-Arnold and Carreras ready for transfers
Real Madrid have concluded negotiations on two major summer signings that will strengthen the team’s defence. After securing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth earlier in May, the deals for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras have now also been finalised. These transfers will bring the club’s total investment above €100 million even before the summer transfer window officially opens.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold: A dream transfer for Madrid
Liverpool’s star full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold (26) has finally got his desired move to the Santiago Bernabéu. According to Cadena Cope, Real Madrid have paid a symbolic sum of around €5 million to sign the England international, whose contract with Liverpool expired in the summer of 2025.
Alexander-Arnold, known for his precision passing and attacking qualities, has always been open about his admiration for Real Madrid. The move marks a significant boost for Los Blancos’ right-back position, where Dani Carvajal has lacked a strong competitor in recent years.
“It’s a transfer that makes sense for all parties,” says a source close to the club. “Trent wanted a new challenge, and Madrid needed exactly his type of style of play.”
Álvaro Carreras: Return to Madrid
At left-back, Real Madrid have secured the rights to Álvaro Carreras (22), who comes from Benfica. The Spanish full-back is actually a product of Madrid’s own youth academy, La Fábrica, but was sold to Benfica in 2022.
Now the club is paying a whopping 50 million euros to bring him back – a sum that corresponds to his buyout clause. According to sources in Spain’s capital, Madrid have reached an agreement to pay the amount over several instalments, which gives them more financial leeway.
Carreras has impressed greatly in Portugal with his running forward and defensive qualities, and is seen as a perfect long-term solution at left-back.
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Xabi Alonso’s new defensive line
Both players are expected to be ready to make their debuts during the Club World Cup in July, where they will provide head coach Xabi Alonso with the defensive reinforcements he needs.
“With Alexander-Arnold on the right and Carreras on the left, Madrid will have a whole new dimension in their attacking play,” says La Liga expert Guillem Balagué. “These are signings that show that the club is looking to the future.”
Now Real Madrid are turning their attention to midfield, where they want to bring in a replacement for the departed Luka Modrić. Dani Ceballos remains at the club, but several sources indicate that Madrid want further depth in this important position.
With the signings of Alexander-Arnold and Carreras, Real Madrid are showing that they are acting quickly and purposefully to build a team that can dominate both nationally and internationally in the coming years. These two full-backs give Alonso the flexibility and quality that could be crucial in his quest for trophies.
