Real Madrid is currently awaiting Manchester United’s final verdict on Alvaro Carreras to finalize a transfer deal for the left-back from Benfica, as TEAMtalk evaluates how the former Old Trafford talent could excel under Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Like Manchester United, Madrid faced a disappointing 2024/25 season. Though not as severe as United’s 15th place finish in the Premier League, Madrid’s inability to claim LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, or the Champions League is unacceptable for a club of their caliber.
To rectify their situation for the 2025/26 campaign, Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso as manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, and have already secured three new signings during the summer transfer window.
The club has welcomed Spain international center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has joined from Liverpool as a right-back, and Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono will join the Madrid squad when he turns 18 in August, following a deal with River Plate.
Reports from both Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic indicate that Madrid is poised to conclude a fourth transfer this summer, having reached an agreement with Benfica for former Man Utd left-back Carreras.
The Athletic revealed that Benfica accepted Madrid’s proposal to pay Carreras’s €50 million (£43 million, $58.5 million) release clause in installments. Madrid is eager to add the left-back ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, although Benfica prefers to retain the 22-year-old Spaniard for this significant event.
Carreras, who was part of Real Madrid’s youth setup from 2017 to 2020 before moving to Manchester United, showcased his talent at the youth level but struggled to break into the first team. His career included loan spells at Preston North End, Granada, and ultimately Benfica, where he made a permanent move in 2024, netting Manchester United £5 million in the transfer.
Why is Real Madrid Signing Alvaro Carreras?
Carreras has made a name for himself at Benfica, proving to be one of the standout left-backs in the Portuguese league. Currently, Madrid’s left-back options include Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia. While Mendy has struggled with injuries, Garcia has not consistently impressed the coaching staff at the Bernabeu.
Initially, Alphonso Davies was Madrid’s top target for this role, but the Canadian international opted to extend his contract with Bayern Munich. Carreras is appealing to Alonso not just for his ability as a traditional full-back but also for his versatility in adapting to a back-three formation, similar to how Alonso utilized Alex Grimaldo at Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, Carreras will qualify as a homegrown player, an important factor for Madrid’s Champions League roster.
Latest Real Madrid News
In recent updates, Madrid is reportedly preparing a £69 million bid for a Tottenham superstar, per Spanish sources, while also revealing Atletico Madrid’s position on the player. Furthermore, Alonso has decided to offload three Madrid players this summer following an unfortunate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Additionally, Ibrahima Konate has expressed his views regarding a potential move to Madrid after Atletico Madrid expressed interest in the Liverpool central defender.
