Real Madrid have been given a major update on the situation of Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, who has already agreed terms with the Bernabeu side.
Los Blancos have made impressive progress in the early days of the transfer market, securing moves for Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold before announcing an agreement for Franco Mastantuono on Friday.
The smooth start that Xabi Alonso’s side have had in the window, though, does not extend to former Manchester United left-back Carreras.
Although the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid, Benfica president Rui Costa says that talks between the clubs are currently at a “standstill”.
In quotes relayed by Record, he said: “There were bid for the player. We didn’t reach any agreement with Real Madrid.
“Carreras will play in the Club World Cup, and then we’ll see what happens with the whole market. He’s focused on having a good World Cup. There were offers that did not please us – not for Carreras nor for any other player.
“The market is at a standstill, both for departures and arrivals. We want to build a team in the Benfica way, but our focus right now needs to be on Monday’s match.”
Negotiations more difficult than expected
Fabrizio Romano previously reported as early as May that a deal between Real Madrid and Benfica was imminent, with no problems in the negotiations forecast due to an excellent relationship between the sides.
It appears that things have not gone as smoothly as Los Blancos might have hoped, though after these latest revelations, he states on X: “Negotiations will continue as personal terms are 100% agreed.”
Carreras only joined Benfica on a permanent basis in May, with the Portuguese side snapping him up for a mere €6m from Man Utd, where he was seen as surplus to requirements.
Even if negotiations with Real Madrid are proving tricky, it appears they will make a massive profit on the 22-year-old this summer, likely after the conclusion of the Club World Cup.
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