Real Madrid has officially acquired Alvaro Carreras after extensive negotiations with Benfica, marking a significant moment for the club and its left flank strategy. Carreras, a former graduate of the Castilla youth team, returns to Madrid amid high expectations, particularly in light of the tactical demands set by new coach Xabi Alonso. The left-back is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance more effectively than the current options available.
This transfer emphasizes a broader challenge within Real Madrid’s roster. The club is burdened by several players who are deemed surplus to requirements and are tied to long-term, financially taxing contracts. Ferland Mendy and David Alaba, in particular, have been criticized for their injury-prone nature and underwhelming contributions, which raise concerns about their overall utility to the team’s ambitions.
Mendy, whose contract runs until 2028, has faced scrutiny after being given a lucrative four-year extension last year, despite signs of decline in his performance. Alaba, meanwhile, commands a staggering annual salary of 22 million euros, making him the second-highest earner in the squad. However, his on-field results do not justify such a financial burden.
The silver lining is that Alaba’s contract will conclude next summer, potentially alleviating some of the financial strain. Nevertheless, the situation serves as a cautionary tale for Real Madrid regarding player contracts, urging the club to reconsider its approach to offering excessive wages and lengthy agreements to players who may not fit into the long-term vision.
Real Madrid’s management now faces the critical task of addressing this “deadwood” issue to ensure a more sustainable and competitive squad moving forward. With the addition of Carreras, there is hope for revitalization on the left side of the pitch, coupled with a necessary reevaluation of the club’s overall player management strategy.