Real Madrid is preparing to sign Álvaro Carreras from Benfica. However, bringing him in will likely result in the club selling either Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy, as Real Madrid cannot keep three left-backs, according to Diario AS.
Benfica is asking for the full €50 million release clause for Carreras, but Real Madrid is trying to negotiate a lower price. The transfer is expected to be completed after the FIFA Club World Cup because of registration rules.
Ferland Mendy, aged 30 and under contract until 2027, has faced injury problems, making him a probable candidate for departure, though his injury history might lower his transfer value.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Fran Garcia has a clean injury record and has drawn interest from clubs such as Bournemouth, Rayo Vallecano, and Atletico Madrid. With a valuation around €20 million, a sale seems feasible.
Garcia is set to start in the Club World Cup, giving him a chance to prove himself, but coach Xabi Alonso’s preference for Carreras suggests one of the two current left-backs will leave.
The final decision will weigh the balance between youth and experience, factoring in Garcia’s potential and Mendy’s injury issues.
