Xabi Alonso has made a decisive move in his plans for Real Madrid’s 2025/26 season, informing the club that left-back Ferland Mendy is not part of his vision. According to reports from Fichajes, the 29-year-old defender, despite extending his contract until 2027 last year, does not fit Alonso’s preferred tactical system. The manager’s 3-4-2-1 formation demands dynamic, attack-minded full-backs, a role Mendy has struggled to fill consistently.
Alonso’s decision comes after evaluating Mendy’s performances, which have been hampered by injuries and inconsistent form over the past year. The Frenchman’s declining market value has also influenced the club’s stance, with Real Madrid now open to a summer transfer. However, his lengthy contract complicates any potential deal, as suitors may be reluctant to meet his wage demands or pay a significant fee for a player whose best years may be behind him.
As Mendy’s future hangs in the balance, Real Madrid are already closing in on his replacement. The club is nearing an agreement to sign 22-year-old Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, with negotiations progressing for a fee below his €50 million release clause. Carreras, a promising young talent, is seen as the ideal long-term solution at left-back, offering the attacking flair and versatility Alonso desires in his system.
Meanwhile, current backup Fran Garcia faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabéu. The 25-year-old will have a final opportunity to prove his worth during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (June 15–July 13), but his position is under threat. Should Carreras arrive as expected, Garcia could be deemed surplus to requirements, especially if Alonso opts for a streamlined defensive unit.
Reports from fan outlet @MadridXtra have corroborated these developments, highlighting Mendy’s impending exit and the club’s aggressive pursuit of Carreras. The Portuguese defender’s potential signing signals a clear shift in Real Madrid’s defensive strategy, with Alonso prioritizing youth and tactical adaptability over experience.
Mendy’s departure would mark the end of a mixed five-year spell at the club. While he contributed to multiple trophy wins, including La Liga and Champions League triumphs, his limitations in attack and fitness issues have ultimately led to this decision. Real Madrid’s willingness to move him on reflects their ambition to evolve under Alonso’s leadership.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Real Madrid’s left-back position is set for a major overhaul. Carreras’ arrival could herald a new era, while Mendy and Garcia face pivotal moments in their careers. Alonso’s ruthless approach underscores his determination to build a squad capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe