Warning Shots Fired: Real Madrid Must Secure Fourth Summer Star, Experts Insist

Benfica head coach Bruno Lage has cautioned Real Madrid that they will need to increase their financial offer if they wish to acquire left back Álvaro Carreras.

After successfully securing Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold before the Club World Cup commenced, Madrid made Carreras their next target, with speculation suggesting a transfer would be completed prior to the tournament's start. However, negotiations concluded without reaching a deal.

Now that Carreras has been officially registered with Benfica's Club World Cup squad, he is ineligible to play for Real Madrid during this summer's competition, though Los Blancos are anticipated to continue pursuing his signature once the tournament concludes.

When questioned about the possibility of Carreras, who remains under contract until 2029, departing after the Club World Cup, Lage emphasized that Benfica maintains the upper hand in any transfer discussions.

"To begin with, there must be an offer that Benfica finds acceptable," Lage stated. "Regardless of which player we're discussing, an agreement is necessary.

"Furthermore, I believe any Benfica player who performs at Álvaro's level can play for any team worldwide. Álvaro wouldn't be the first to leave Benfica and establish himself at a major European club. Looking back over the past 10-15 years, virtually every player who has departed Benfica, whether Portuguese or foreign, has demonstrated the capability to make their mark at various prestigious clubs."

These remarks align with the position taken by Benfica president Rui Costa, who declared: "Carreras will participate in the Club World Cup with us as he remains a Benfica player. We haven't finalized any agreement with Real Madrid regarding him.

"There were proposals presented for Álvaro and other players that we found unsatisfactory."

Carreras's contract includes a €50 million ($57.7 million) release clause that must be paid in its entirety. Madrid has reportedly been attempting to negotiate a reduced fee but has thus far been unsuccessful in these efforts.

The Spanish giants have already made significant financial outlays this summer. They acquired Huijsen for £50 million (€58.7 million, $67.8 million), paid €10 million ($11.5 million) to expedite Alexander-Arnold's transfer from Liverpool, and invested a substantial €62.9 million ($72.6 million) to bring Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.