Marc Cucurella has now signed for Real Madrid from Chelsea. This is very bad news for Los Blancos' current left-back, Álvaro Carreras.
Carreras was Real Madrid's first-choice left back for most of last season. However, he did not have the best of campaigns. He missed matches due to injury and suspension and was often benched. In total last season, Carreras made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and making three assists.
Real Madrid ended the season trophyless, which was their second campaign in a row without bringing in any silverware. Los Blancos are set to appoint José Mourinho as manager to return the club to its former glories.
Mourinho is a winner, albeit his defensive style of soccer is not always the easiest on the eye. It is a surprise that they have turned to Mourinho, as his days managing big clubs looked to be over. His last two jobs have been at Benfica and Fenerbahce.
The returning Real Madrid manager's priority is clearly to shore the club up defensively. Signing Cucurella is a huge boost, whilst they have also been linked with Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries.
José Mourinho will be ruthless as the new Real Madrid manager
Cucurella is regarded as the best left-back in the Premier League. Last season in the division, he played 34 times, scoring once and making four assists. The only games he missed were due to a hamstring injury.
The left-back is set to play for Spain against Cape Verde in their opening game of this summer's World Cup later today. Cucurella won Euro 2024 with Spain, and they are one of the favorites to win the World Cup this summer.
Carreras does not have the World Cup this summer to prove himself to Mourinho, as the player has never been called up for Spain. However, he has played for them at the Under-21 level. Carreras is only 23 and will likely need to leave Real Madrid to ensure regular game time.
The defender has moved clubs in the past. He began his career with Manchester United, where he was sent on loan to Preston North End, Granada, and Benfica. He then joined Benfica permanently before moving to Real Madrid. So far, he has not been linked with any teams, but with Cucurella now brought in, there will no doubt be speculation about Carrera's future.
Real Madrid's other left-backs, Ferland Mendy and Fran García, may also seek pastures new. Mendy struggled with injuries in the last campaign and made just five La Liga appearances. Garcia's game time was also limited, playing in just 13 league games.
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