Monster Caicedo holds key to Chelsea's slim CWC hopes as PSG loom

Wiegman has found Lionesses' winning formula with James & Toone

Chelsea's teen attacking talent who could save Blues millions

All-rounder Russo doesn't need goals to shine for Lionesses

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Editors' Picks

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Pachuca vs Salzburg: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Monterrey vs Inter: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Seat Unique names founding partner of Hill Dickinson Stadium 

Man City outcast Walker reassured over pace questions & future

Newlyweds Dyer & Bowen do not fear famous Strictly ‘curse’

Man City warned off transfer gamble on free agent Pogba 

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Madrid want Carreras after Club World Cup</li><li>Los Blancos refuse to pay full €50m clause</li><li>Transfer on hold despite personal terms agreed</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Why Real Madrid refuse to pay €50m Alvaro Carreras release clause to Benfica as Spanish giants aim to recreate Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono deals

<p>Madrid want Carreras as their new left-back but have not met the €50 million (£42m/$57m) release clause in his contract. According to <a href="https://as.com/futbol/internacional/carreras-el-benfica-tensa-la-cuerda-n/" target="_blank"><em>AS</em></a>, the Spanish club offered €40m (£34m/$46m), with Benfica willing to consider €48m (£40m/$55m), but no agreement was reached. With both clubs now at the Club World Cup in Florida, Carreras remains a Benfica player for now.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-open-talks-benfica-defender-alvaro-carreras-dean-huijsen-deal-new-boss-xabi-alonso-request/blt264beeb25c6a4ef8" target="_blank">Los Blancos see the 22-year-old as a long-term solution at left-back</a>, but they're applying the same financial strategy used for Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, staggered payments over time rather than a one-time fee. Activating the release clause would force them to pay the entire fee in one lump sum. The Spaniards' preferred approach gives them flexibility with cash flow and helps avoid unfavourable tax rates. However, Benfica know Madrid need Carreras and are using their leverage. The additional 20 per cent resale clause owed to Manchester United complicates the deal further.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Benfica president Rui Costa denied any agreement with Madrid, and said: "We haven't reached an agreement with Madrid. There were proposals that didn't convince us. Not for Alvaro or any other player." </p><p>His message from Florida was clear: Benfica are not in a hurry to sell and will not accept terms that don’t match their valuation.</p>

WHAT RUI COSTA SAID

<p>Madrid will continue talks with the Portuguese side in hopes of reaching a compromise deal. Their internal plan is to finalise the transfer in July, but unless Benfica budge on the payment structure, the saga could drag on.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Why Real Madrid refuse to pay €50m Alvaro Carreras release clause to Benfica as Spanish giants aim to recreate Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono deals | Goal.com

Real Madrid are keen to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica but are refusing to trigger his €50m release clause, aiming to negotiate a structured deal.