Real Madrid have been desperate to sign Álvaro Carreras from Benfica this summer and a transfer agreement has now been reached, Los Blancos were eager to add t

But listen to the way Xabi Alonso spoke about Alex Grimaldo throughout Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible title-winning season — when he provided 10 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga from his high-flying wing-back role — and it would be fair to assume that the Spaniard was top of the class.

The deal is nearly complete, and only final details remain before Álvaro Carreras once again wears the white shirt—this time with the maturity and quality needed to shine at one of the most demanding clubs in world football.