YOUTH
Alvaro Carreras vows to fight for Real Madrid place
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, adding another left‑back to a squad already containing Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Alvaro Carreras. Alvaro Carreras has publicly stated he will continue to fight for a regular role despite the new arrival.
The three defenders were recruited last summer, but each struggled to fulfil expectations during the season. Their limited impact left the left‑back position unsettled.
Carreras began the campaign as a starter under Xabi Alonso and appeared to cement his place. After Alvaro Arbeloa assumed control, he fell to third choice behind Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia.
The Spaniard previously spent 2017‑2020 in Real Madrid’s youth system, left for Benfica, and returned in 2025 on a contract running to 2031. In his debut season he logged 28 league appearances and 2,334 minutes, and he insists he will not accept a backup role.
Cucurella is currently on Spain duty with La Roja and will miss the start of pre‑season, giving Carreras a window to impress Jose Mourinho in training. Carreras aims to turn that opportunity into a claim for the left‑back berth.
The Cucurella announcement photo is credited to Mattia Ozbot, and the Carreras images to Alex Grimm.