The summer transfer window is starting to heat up, and Real Madrid has set its sights on young Spanish talent Álvaro Carreras, currently playing as a left-back for Benfica. However, negotiations aren't going smoothly. The Portuguese club's president, Rui Costa, made it clear that the offers received from the Spanish capital fall short of their expectations.

Speaking to the media in Tampa, United States, where Benfica is taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup, Costa confirmed Madrid’s interest but expressed his dissatisfaction: “There have been approaches for the player, but we haven’t reached an agreement with Real Madrid. For now, Carreras remains a Benfica player,” he said, emphasizing that the club is in no rush to sell.

Benfica Holds Firm: Carreras Has a Long Contract and a High Release Clause

The 22-year-old left-back from Ferrol joined Benfica after playing for Granada during the 2023–24 season. Since then, he has made 116 appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 17 assists, quickly becoming a key part of the squad. With a contract until June 2029 and a release clause of around €50 million, the Portuguese side is not willing to let him go for anything less.

“There were offers we didn’t like,” Costa added, making it clear that Carreras will stay focused on the Club World Cup, where Benfica will face Boca Juniors, Bayern Munich, and Auckland City in the group stage. The president also stressed that the squad’s attention is fully on the tournament and that no transfer activity — incoming or outgoing — is expected for now.

On another front, Rui Costa confirmed the club’s desire to retain Nicolás Otamendi, their captain and defensive leader, for at least one more season. The 37-year-old Argentine has been a vital figure since joining the club in 2020.

Costa also didn’t rule out an interest in bringing Joao Félix back to Benfica, though he admitted the move would be difficult due to the player’s high wages and current contract situation. “If we could bring back someone from our academy with Joao’s talent, we would love to. But at the moment, it’s not realistic,” he stated.

For now, Real Madrid will have to rethink its approach if it truly wants Álvaro Carreras. Benfica has made it clear that they won’t settle for anything less than what they believe the player is worth — especially in the middle of a major international tournament.