Cucurella or Carreras: Real Madrid define their left-back hierarchy for 2026/27 season | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has said to have already established his preferred options at left-back. 

Following the arrival of Marc Cucurella, the club now has a clear pecking order, while another departure is edging closer to completion.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Cucurella will be Real Madrid’s first-choice left-back, with Alvaro Carreras set to provide cover throughout the season. 

The latest Real Madrid transfer updates also indicate that Fran Garcia is on the verge of completing a permanent move to Real Betis, leaving Ferland Mendy’s future uncertain due to injury.

Cucurella becomes Mourinho’s first-choice left-back

The arrival of Cucurella from Chelsea has significantly strengthened Real Madrid’s options on the left side of defence. 

The Spanish international immediately enters the season as Mourinho’s preferred choice, with the Portuguese coach convinced by his experience and consistency at the highest level.

Carreras will be Real Madrid’s second choice left-back. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The Marc Cucurella Real Madrid developments suggest the defender has climbed to the top of the pecking order, giving Los Blancos a reliable option for one of the most demanding positions in the squad.

Behind him, Carreras has retained Mourinho’s trust despite an inconsistent first season at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

The former Benfica defender endured a difficult campaign under previous manager Alvaro Arbeloa, leading to speculation over his future and whether he would remain at the club.

However, the latest Real Madrid news indicates Mourinho still sees potential in the Spaniard and is prepared to use him as Cucurella’s primary backup during the 2026/27 campaign.

Fran Garcia close to Real Betis move

Real Madrid’s left-back department is also expected to lose a familiar face in the coming days. 

Ferland Mendy will focus on his recovery. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Fran Garcia to Real Betis is now close to becoming official after both clubs reached an agreement worth €4 million for 50% of the defender’s economic rights.

The structure of the deal allows Real Madrid to retain half of any future transfer fee should Betis decide to sell the Spaniard later in his career, ensuring the club could still benefit financially.

Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy’s injury has effectively ended any possibility of a summer exit. 

The French defender underwent surgery in May after suffering a muscular problem and is not expected to return until at least September.

With his recovery still ongoing, Mendy remains unavailable, further strengthening Mourinho’s decision to rely on Cucurella and Carreras for the start of the new season.