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Published on 9 July 2026

Real Madrid have decided to retain Alvaro Carreras in their first-team squad for the upcoming season.

The Spanish left-back will provide backup for newly signed Marc Cucurella, bringing clarity to the club’s left-back hierarchy and ending weeks of speculation about his future.

The arrival of Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in a transfer worth approximately £52 million, had initially raised doubts over Carreras’ role. The Spain international has quickly become Jose Mourinho’s preferred choice on the left side of defence.

This situation left Carreras’ position uncertain, especially after his €50 million transfer from Benfica just last summer.

However, Real Madrid have now finalised their strategy. According to Fabrizio Romano, Cucurella will start as the first-choice left-back, while Carreras will serve as his deputy. Fran Garcia, who had been third in the pecking order, is expected to complete a permanent move to Real Betis.

Injuries have also influenced the club’s decision. Ferland Mendy remains unavailable as he continues his recovery, further justifying the decision to keep Carreras as valuable squad depth in a demanding position.

The decision means Real Madrid will resist interest from the Premier League. Both Manchester United and Chelsea had been monitoring Carreras, though neither club is believed to have made a formal approach. Madrid have made it clear that they have no intention of selling him.

Chelsea’s interest appeared logical, given that Xabi Alonso – who managed Carreras briefly during his time at Real Madrid – was keen on a reunion following Cucurella’s departure. The Blues have since shifted focus to Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria as an alternative target.

Manchester United, on the other hand, are expected to move on from the pursuit. Their priorities have changed towards strengthening central midfield and adding a winger, making the search for a left-back less urgent.

For Carreras, the decision means staying in Madrid and competing for playing time. Having been a regular starter last season, the 23-year-old will now face the challenge of reclaiming his spot from one of Spain’s top full-backs.