Real Madrid want former academy gem as a priority – but not at any price | OneFootball

Real Madrid continue to keep a close eye on Alvaro Carreras as their priority target for the left-back position, but the club is sending a firm message during negotiations that they will not pay any price to land him.

According to a report from MARCA, although Los Blancos are eager to bring Carreras back home, they are being cautious and strategic in their approach.

Carreras, who trained at Valdebebas, fits the mould Real Madrid want, which is a player with a Spanish identity, technical quality, and long-term potential.

His progress at Benfica has put him on Madrid’s radar, and his €50 million release clause is well known. But the issue is not just about price, it is also about the structure of the deal.

Benfica not eager to budge

As negotiations progress, Benfica have proven once again to be a tough negotiating partner. The Portuguese giants, well-known for extracting high fees, are not in a rush to sell Carreras.

Last summer, their rigidity was already on display when they blocked his participation in the Olympics, prioritising club commitments over international exposure.

Benfica are posing a big problem for Real Madrid. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Despite being open to a negotiation that lowers the release clause slightly, Benfica are firm on the financial conditions, especially regarding payment terms.

As a publicly listed club, all deals are carefully documented, meaning there is little room for creative or deferred payments that fall outside regulatory limits.

Madrid also looking at alternatives

Although Carreras remains the top choice, Real Madrid have drawn up a shortlist of alternatives. The club’s management is still convinced that Carreras represents the best option.

However, they are practical enough to understand that flexibility is needed if Benfica refuse to compromise.

Among the potential Plan B options, Alejandro Grimaldo has emerged as a serious candidate.

The former Barcelona academy graduate has been excellent under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, contributing significantly to their Bundesliga triumph.

His tactical awareness and familiarity with Alonso’s system give him a strong edge, and his availability could tempt Madrid if Benfica drag their feet.