Jose Mourinho unconvinced by 23-year-old Real Madrid defender as club weigh summer alternatives

Jose Mourinho unconvinced by 23-year-old Real Madrid defender as club weigh summer alternatives One of Real Madrid’s biggest decisions this summer may not involve a new signing but rather a player who arrived at the club only a year ago. According to journalist Miguel Serrano on Defensa Central , Jose Mourinho has serious doubts about Alvaro Carreras and is not fully convinced by the options currently available at left-back. The report claims that former manager Alvaro Arbeloa provided highly negative assessments of the defender, information that has influenced Mourinho’s early planning ahead of the new season. Carreras joined Real Madrid from Benfica in 2025 and was viewed as a long-term solution on the left side of defence. He even had a good start to his time in Madrid under Xabi Alonso, but his influence in the team started waning once Alvaro Arbeloa became manager. Arbeloa did not provide a good report on Carreras. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) While there were periods when the Spaniard showed promise, his performances became increasingly inconsistent as the season progressed. Mourinho wants more competition at left-back Mourinho is said to want reinforcements at left-back. That does not necessarily mean Carreras is destined to leave immediately, but it does underline the manager’s lack of confidence in the current situation. Ferland Mendy continues to be respected for his defensive qualities, but he is currently injured and could be out for a significant while, making him extremely unreliable. Fran Garcia’s future is also uncertain . Regardless, if Madrid were to bring in a new left-back this summer, one of Alvaro or Fran would likely leave the club. The club are continually linked with marquee names such as Riccardo Calafiori and Josko Gvardiol , and both could be options to play in that position next season. Real Madrid may still protect their investment Mourinho is not a fan of Alvaro Carreras. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Despite Mourinho’s concerns, Carreras is not expected to be pushed out easily. It would not be a good reflection of the club’s long-term planning if Madrid decided to cash in just 12 months after signing him, especially when there is obvious talent to work with. Some of Madrid’s best players in history have not had the greatest first seasons, and selling him now would not be a wise choice. Carreras remains a Real Madrid player and should receive opportunities to convince Mourinho. However, there is nothing wrong with bringing in some competition. As Real Madrid continue to reshape the squad under Mourinho, it remains to be seen how the left-back situation sorts itself out between now and the start of the 2026/27 season.