“Mourinho blocks Carreras’ exit and keeps him non-transferable at Real Madrid.”

José Mourinho put an end to all speculation: Álvaro Carreras is not for sale and will continue to wear white next season, even after the multimillion-dollar signing of Marc Cucurella. This decision surprises many fans and analysts, especially after reports suggested the departure of the Spanish left-back from Valdebebas was almost certain, following the investment of 55 million euros in the former Chelsea player.

Carreras, who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 from Benfica for 50 million euros, now knows he is part of the Portuguese coach’s plans for the 2026/27 season. AS reports that the player has been personally informed of the decision and has received assurances that he will be a key part of the rotation for the left-back position for the Merengues. Mourinho aims to build a luxury duo of Spanish full-backs, betting on Carreras and Cucurella to provide quality and depth to the squad.

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This bet from Mourinho comes at a time when Ferland Mendy’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty due to a prolonged injury, bringing the Frenchman closer to the exit door. At the same time, Fran García, a regular substitute, is set to leave and has been the target of several proposals. Bournemouth attempted to secure the full-back in the last winter transfer market, but it seems that Real Betis is in the lead, having already made a concrete offer for the player. Thus, Carreras gains new prominence during a phase of profound renewal in the defensive sector of the Spanish giant.

The decision of the “Special One” is strategic and sends a clear signal to the locker room: only those who can truly add competitive value will stay. For Carreras, this vote of confidence comes after a season of ups and downs, marked by a promising start but also by a less successful second half, largely due to the inconsistency of Real Madrid. Under the management of Xabi Alonso, the full-back had minutes and confidence, a scenario that changed drastically with Arbeloa, who took away his prominence. Now, with Mourinho, the Spaniard knows he has a second chance to establish himself definitively in the elite.

Carreras himself has already reacted to the decision, in a brief statement to the newspaper AS this week: “I am determined to arrive at pre-season at my best level and prove to Mister Mourinho that I deserve a place in the starting eleven. I want to compete equally for a starting position and help Real Madrid win titles.” The full-back, who missed the 2026 World Cup with the Spain national team, has been using the summer to alternate between rest and personalized physical training, showing unwavering focus in preparation for the new season.

Mourinho, for his part, justified his choice in a private meeting with the management, according to sources close to the club: “Carreras and Cucurella are different, but complementary. With them, the left-back position is very well covered. We need depth and versatility, and both provide that.” The Portuguese coach aims to avoid the weaknesses of recent past in defense, betting on healthy competition between two of the most promising full-backs in Spanish football.

The impact of this decision goes far beyond the simple composition of the squad. The retention of Carreras opens up space for a more versatile tactical dynamic, allowing Mourinho to explore alternative formations and strengthen internal competitiveness in a Real Madrid that is becoming increasingly ambitious. The immediate future will now involve the integration of Carreras and Cucurella in pre-season, where both will compete fiercely for a starting position. With Fran García heading to Betis and Mendy practically ruled out, the duel between the two Spaniards promises to be one of the most interesting aspects of the preparation for the 2026/27 season.

If Carreras lives up to Mourinho’s trust, he could indeed relaunch his career and establish himself as the undisputed starter for Real Madrid. Fans are eagerly awaiting: the battle for the left-back position is heating up and the “Special One” demands nothing less than excellence. It remains to be seen who will secure the spot in the starting eleven and what the true impact of Mourinho’s bet will be on the success of the merengues next season.

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