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<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’s move for Carreras has "stalled"</li><li>Benfica rejected Los Blancos' latest offer</li><li>Grimaldo has emerged as the backup target</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>

Xabi Alonso reunion incoming! Real Madrid target Bayer Leverkusen star amid breakdown in pursuit of Benfica full-back Alvaro Carreras

<p>Madrid’s negotiations with Benfica for Carreras have hit a dead end. Despite the player's interest in joining, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-real-madrid-refuse-pay-eur50m-alvaro-carreras-release-clause-benfica-dean-huijsen-franco-mastantuono-deals/blt9ef31a8afad0373b" target="_blank">the Eagles are firm on their €50 million (£42m/$57m) demand</a>, a figure Madrid is unwilling to meet. According to <a href="https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2025/06/19/el-enroque-del-benfica-con-alvaro-carreras-reaviva-la-esperanza-de-grimaldo-de-firmar-por-el-real-madrid-cadena-ser/" target="_blank"><em>Cadena SER</em></a>, Los Blancos have turned their attention to Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen, who is eager to move back to Spain and reunite with his former coach.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>La Liga giants Madrid are in urgent need of a reliable left-back. While Fran Garcia is expected to stay as a backup, Ferland Mendy’s future is still uncertain. Grimaldo, who has impressed in the Bundesliga and is familiar with Alonso’s system, presents a cheaper and possibly more seamless alternative to Carreras.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The 29-year-old came through Barcelona's La Masia academy before moving to Benfica and later joining Leverkusen where he scored 10 goals and provided seven assists last season as a left-back.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Madrid are expected to monitor Carreras’ situation but may open official talks with Grimaldo in the coming weeks. The Spanish full-back’s desire to return home, plus his relationship with Alonso, could accelerate a potential deal this summer.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Xabi Alonso reunion incoming! Real Madrid target Bayer Leverkusen star amid breakdown in pursuit of Benfica full-back Alvaro Carreras | Goal.com

Real Madrid turn to Alejandro Grimaldo after Alvaro Carreras talks stall, eyeing a potential reunion with Xabi Alonso in search of a new left-back.