Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
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.
Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images
River Plate are standing firm in their negotiations with Real Madrid over teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono.
As per Argentine outlet Diario Ole, the Buenos Aires-based club is making the Spanish giants’ pursuit far from straightforward.
Real Madrid are keen on bringing in the 17-year-old playmaker, but River Plate are refusing to negotiate on the terms of his release clause.
The clause itself is set at €45 million, but the total cost of the operation could rise significantly.
Due to national taxes (13%) and an additional 20% territorial charge, the fee could touch nearly €60 million, and that is before agent commissions and other administrative costs are even considered.
River Plate want clause paid in full
Madrid, as expected, are trying to soften the blow by proposing to pay the amount in instalments. However, River Plate are having none of it.
The club’s position is clear that if Mastantuono is to leave now, it must be through the activation of the full clause in one go.
A lot is left in Franco Mastantuono’s transfer. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)
In fact, according to Ole, River Plate are also looking to use Madrid’s reluctance to push their own agenda. Their aim is to keep the young midfielder until at least December, particularly with the Copa Libertadores campaign in full swing.
Transfer is far from done
Mastantuono is seen as a vital part of the squad, and letting him go before the competition’s decisive phase is not in their plans.
Madrid, on the other hand, still hope to convince River Plate to allow a delayed transfer, one that would see the player arrive in Spain at a later date in exchange for a more flexible payment structure or even a slight discount.
The coming weeks will be crucial. Both clubs are expected to continue negotiations, but a middle ground is yet to be found.