Real Madrid have been negotiating with Benfica for several weeks, but the Portuguese refuse to lower the price.
Real Madrid may have to change their transfer plans. While the signing of young full-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica seemed imminent, the operation is now starting to take a turn for the worse due to financial disagreements. The Portuguese club insists on triggering the player’s €50 million buyout clause – an amount the Spanish giants are unwilling to pay.
One might wonder if anyone is playing three-dimensional chess
Read: The plan is for Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez to play while La Liga’s most effective striker Alexander Sorloth will sit on the bench
Journalists with insight into Real Madrid’s transfer activity, such as Josep Pedrerol, José Félix Díaz and Fernando Burgos, confirm that the management at the Santiago Bernabéu is not considering matching this requirement. Despite genuine interest in Carreras, Madrid are not willing to go all-in for a player who has yet to establish himself at the very top.
Xabi Alonso has a preferred option
In light of this situation, Alejandro Grimaldo’s name has emerged as a strong option. Bayer Leverkusen’s left-back has had spectacular seasons under Xabi Alonso. The new Real Madrid both know and like him well and have given the go-ahead for a potential transfer.
Grimaldo’s experience in the Bundesliga and European Cup, combined with a significantly lower price than Carreras, makes him a more attractive short-term option to strengthen Madrid’s left wing. The Spanish full-back has also proven himself as one of the season’s most prominent defenders.
If Benfica stick to their demands, all signs point to Real Madrid turning their attention to Leverkusen to secure Grimaldo instead.
Read: Liverpool slam wild bid that shatters transfer record!
As it stands, Benfica, after receiving a lot of interest from several quarters and confirmation from Old Trafford that there will be no buyback, will demand 60 million euros, more than they talked about a few weeks ago.
