Real Madrid made a big splash at the left back position when they signed young former academy prospect Alvaro Carreras for about 50 million euros from Benfica after a standout Champions League campaign, and whlie he started the 2025/26 season brightly, Carreras distinguished himself as a liability by the end of it.
His attitude to Alvaro Arbeloa and others appeared to be poor, he was lacking in defensive quality, and he got absolutely cooked by Michael Olise for all the world to see in a rough Champions League first leg against Bayern Munich before Ferland Mendy improved Real's defensive performance in leg two.
As such, Real Madrid are expected to look at left backs again this summer transfer window, and while the club is backing Alvaro to improve, they may not back him without questioning him first. And they could be back in for a left back they considered signing instead of him.
Real Madrid can make a splash at LB
Fabrizio Romano has relayed a highly interesting quote from Bayer Leverkusen star Alejandro Grimaldo, as the Spanish international has opened the door to a potential exit from the Bundesliga giants this summer transfer window. Grimaldo stated that he would like to return to La Liga
Like Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, Grimaldo is another Spanish international and Barcelona product at left back who could interest Real Madrid and be a substantial upgrade on what the Royal Whites currenlty have.
And honestly, there were a lot of Madridistas who were surprised to see Real Madrid and especially Xabi Alonso, who is now Cucurella's coach, pass up on signing Alex Grimaldo in favor of Alvaro Carreras. Grimaldo became an even bigger star in world football under Alonso, blossoming into an elite creator and even goal scorer from the left back position.
Although Grimaldo is now 30 years old and would not have any future resale value, he should be affordable, then, and Real Madrid are not looking for young players to make a profit on and develop to sell. They want players who can start and be better than what they have, and it's hard to argue against Grimaldo being just that.
He was not as sensational in 2025/26 as he was in 2023/24 when he went undefeated with Xabi Alonso in Leverkusen, but Grimaldo is still one of the best players in the Bundesliga at any positition. His quote that he wants a La Liga return is a not so subtle opening to join Real Madrid, as there are only a couple of La Liga clubs worth leaving Leverkusen for.
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