Real Madrid will sign priority target after Club World Cup due to registration rules | OneFootball

In a surprising turn of events reported by El Chiringuito TV, Real Madrid will not be able to sign Alvaro Carreras just yet, as the player has been registered by Benfica for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Although Los Blancos have already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old Spanish left-back and even finalised the deal internally, the transfer has hit a temporary roadblock due to Benfica’s refusal to cooperate on early release.

Carreras has already been officially registered by Benfica for the Club World Cup, making it impossible for him to join any other team until the tournament ends.

Despite long-running negotiations, the Portuguese club has held firm, demanding the full €50 million release clause for the defender.

Real Madrid were reportedly open to paying this fee in instalments and even considered a small premium to bring him in early. However, no agreement was reached.

Real Madrid growing frustrated

What makes the situation even more puzzling is that Real Madrid believed the operation was already closed. The club is said to be baffled by Benfica’s recent behaviour, especially as the player had already agreed to join them.

Alvaro Carreras will play CWC for Benfica and not Real Madrid. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The Madrid hierarchy expected a smooth transition but were surprised to see Carreras included in Benfica’s Club World Cup squad, with the player now set to travel to the United States with them.

Sources close to the deal claim that while negotiations are ongoing, they remain complicated. For now, Carreras will stay with Benfica through the duration of the Club World Cup.

Once the tournament is over and the transfer window opens, Real Madrid are expected to activate the release clause and bring the Spanish full-back to the Bernabeu immediately after the tournament.

The situation has turned into a tense and somewhat bizarre standoff, one that has left all parties, including the player, in an awkward position.

Still, Real Madrid remain confident that Carreras will wear white before the end of the window.