If one thing was evident to Real Madrid fans in the dying days of Carlo Ancelotti's tenure, it's that the defense was in major need of reinforcements if the club hopes to re-establish themselves as the best team in Europe.
Due to a combination if major injuries as well as overall drops in form from almost every defender, the team conceded goals for fun during the 2024/25 season, which has led new head coach Xabi Alonso to make his main priority fixing his backline.
The club has already brought in center-back Dean Huijsen and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who have both already proven to be key players in Alonso's system after having played only five games for the club.
While the two have helped to somewhat solidify the defense, there is still work that needs to be done, and it seems the club is already working on completing the next signing for Xabi Alonso.
As being reported by Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are finally set to agree on a deal to sign fullback Alvaro C arreras from Benfica. Talks between the clubs have been going on for the better part of a month now and the two finally seem to have gotten over the hurdles slowing up the transfer.
The main stikling point of the deal was Benfica's firm stance demanding his full €50 million release clause, and Real's refusal to meet that figure.
However, it now seems that the two sides have finally agreed on a deal, with Real Madrid set to send a transfer fee as well as Castilla left-back Rafael Obrador to Benfica in exchange for Alvaro C arreras. They have agreed to send the 50 million euro release clause in installments rather than in one full payment.
Having left the Real Madrid youth academy in 2020 for Manchester United, in his senior career he has spent time at Man United as well as Preston North End and Granada on loan before joinging Benfica in 2024.
After a stellar season in Portugal, Real Madrid have had their eyes on C arreras, and are more than happy to welcome him back to the Spanish capital.