Barcelona achieved a historic and thrilling victory over Benfica at the Estadio da Luz in Portugal, securing a dramatic 5-4 win in the seventh round of the Champions League group stage. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Barcelona pulling off one of the most remarkable comebacks in the tournament’s recent history.
Following the match, Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s president, was particularly impressed by the performance of Álvaro Carreras, a 21-year-old Spanish full-back, who stood out on the night. His exceptional performance caught the attention of Laporta, who then gave Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, the green light to initiate negotiations to sign Carreras.
Though Carreras had been previously considered by Barcelona, his showing against Benfica made the decision more pressing. Barcelona has been seeking a reliable left-back to provide competition and rest for Alejandro Balde, and Carreras fits the bill perfectly. His mobility, defensive capabilities, and offensive contributions make him an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s tactical plans.
Reports indicate that Benfica would be open to negotiating a transfer for Carreras at around €20 million, which would be a reasonable fee for Barcelona if they can meet the financial fair play regulations. Given Barcelona’s current financial constraints, the deal might not be completed until next summer unless significant player sales are made in the upcoming transfer window.
The club remains optimistic about securing Carreras’ services, viewing him as an opportunity that should not be missed. With a potential future star in their hands, Barcelona hopes to solidify their left-back position, which has been a problem area this season. Carreras would provide an immediate solution to the problem, offering more tactical options for Flick and depth to the squad.
With Laporta’s approval in place, the pressure now shifts to Deco to complete the deal while navigating financial restrictions and market dynamics. Barcelona remains focused on strengthening their defense for both the present and future with this strategic signing.
