Real Madrid are in dire need of a good attacking left-back, despite the sudden and unexpected turnaround of Fran Garcia.
The club had the name of Alvaro Carreras ready for that spot, they still do, but the situation is so complicated that it gives little hope.
Benfica are tough negotiators who have remained firm on Real Madrid paying the full release clause of the Spaniard. Madrid, who have already spent heavily on recent signings, were hoping for a discount.
They aimed to sign Carreras before the Club World Cup, but Benfica did not budge until their terms were met. Talks virtually collapsed at that point and had remained dormant, until now.
Real Madrid strike a quiet but strategic move in the Carreras deal
Real Madrid have now come up with a masterplan to convince Benfica to let Alvaro Carreras go, with adjusted terms that could benefit Los Blancos in the long run.
According to ace journalist Fabrizio Romano, Castilla full-back Rafael Obrador is set to join SL Benfica on a permanent deal from Real Madrid for a fee of €5 million, with Madrid retaining a buy-back clause.
Romano adds that this transfer is directly tied to the Carreras negotiations, which have resumed recently after the collapse earlier this summer.
He confirmed Obrador’s move with his signature “Here we go,” adding that the medicals are scheduled soon.
Alvaro Carreras’ signing is extremely important for Real Madrid. The left-back position has been the most vulnerable area for Los Blancos in recent seasons, and one that indirectly affected Vinicius Jr., whose performances dipped in part due to lack of support behind him.
The inclusion of Obrador in the Carreras deal could prove to be the key to unlocking Benfica’s resistance and speeding up the agreement.
If Obrador shines at Benfica, the buy-back clause gives Madrid leverage to bring him back whenever needed. It’s a win-win situation for the club.
Fran Garcia’s rise has certainly improved things on the left, but as mentioned, depth is always welcome, especially when Ferland Mendy is not the profile Xabi Alonso prefers.
In fact, the Frenchman could soon become Madrid’s biggest defensive liability after David Alaba, if he stays.