Jun 16, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Benfica's Alvaro Fernandez Carreras reacts during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Real Madrid Complete Signing of Defender Alvaro Carreras From Benfica

As part of the transfer agreement, Manchester United are set to receive 20% of the profit from the transfer.

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in a deal worth €50 million (£43 million). The 22-year-old defender has agreed to a six-year contract with Los Blancos as they continue to strengthen their backline ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Carreras returns to Madrid after previously spending three years in the club’s academy from 2017 to 2020, before making the move to Manchester United. Although he never made a senior appearance for United, he gained valuable first-team experience through loan spells at Preston North End and Granada. In January 2024, Carreras joined Benfica on an initial loan deal, which was made permanent for £5 million in May 2024.

Official Announcement: Carreras.#RealMadrid | #WelcomeCarreras
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 14, 2025

Alvaro Carreras’ Exceptional Season at Benfica

During his time at Benfica, Carreras established himself as one of the standout young full-backs in Europe, making 68 appearances and scoring five goals. He played a key role in helping Benfica finish second in the Portuguese top flight last season and was part of their squad for the Club World Cup.

As part of the transfer agreement, Manchester United are set to receive 20% of the profit from the transfer. Real Madrid had identified Carreras as their preferred choice to bolster the left-back position, an area where Ferland Mendy’s injury issues and Fran Garcia’s inconsistent performances hampered their defence.

The Spain Under-21 international impressed Madrid with his performances in both domestic and European competitions, making 32 Primeira Liga appearances and featuring 10 times in the Champions League last season. Carreras joins fellow new recruits Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold as Madrid look to revamp their defense following a disappointing 2024-25 season.

In Carlo Ancelotti’s final season at Real Madrid, they finished runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga, lost the Copa del Rey final, and exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals. Most recently, the Spanish giants were thrashed 4-0 by PSG in the Club World Cup semi-finals. With Carreras back at the Santiago Bernabeu, Xabi Alonso will hope that his arrival brings greater stability and quality to their left flank as they aim to reclaim silverware next season.

Alvaro Carreras

Benfica

La Liga 2025-26

Real Madrid

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.