Chelsea and Man Utd miss out as Real Madrid keep Carreras

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9 July 2026

Real Madrid have decided to keep Alvaro Carreras as part of their squad for the coming season.

The Spanish left-back is set to serve as cover for new first-choice

Marc Cucurella

, ending speculation over his future. It represents a clear resolution of the club’s left-back hierarchy.

The arrival of Cucurella had cast doubt over his role. The Spain international joined from

Chelsea

in a deal worth around £52m, immediately becoming Jose Mourinho’s preferred option on the left.

That left question marks over Carreras, a €50m signing from Benfica only last summer.

Real Madrid, though, have settled on their plan. Fabrizio Romano reports that Cucurella will start, with Carreras retained as his backup, and third-choice Fran Garcia moving on. The Spaniard is closing on a permanent switch to Real Betis.

Injury has also shaped the decision. Ferland Mendy remains sidelined as he recovers, further strengthening the case for keeping Carreras. His depth in a demanding position is now seen as valuable rather than surplus.

–

Saturday, 20 June 2026

The stance means resisting Premier League interest. Both Manchester United and

had looked at Carreras, though no formal bid is understood to have arrived from either. Madrid have made clear they intend to retain him regardless.

Chelsea’s interest was the more logical. Xabi Alonso, who managed Carreras during his brief Madrid spell, was keen on a reunion, particularly having lost Cucurella. The Blues have since turned their attention to Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria instead.

United, meanwhile, may abandon the pursuit altogether. Their focus has shifted towards central midfield and a possible winger, with the left-back search no longer the priority it once was.

For Carreras, it means fighting for minutes rather than leaving. Having been a regular last season, the 23-year-old now faces a battle to reclaim his place from one of Spain’s finest full-backs.

See Also-

Manchester United renew contact for €30m Dortmund full-back

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