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 Set To Sign Alvaro Carreras After Reaching Agreement With Benfica

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso will hope that Carreras can provide stability and attacking threat down the left side.

Real Madrid are set to bolster their defensive ranks with the signing of young Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica after reaching a verbal agreement with the Portuguese club. The deal will see Real Madrid pay €50 million in multiple installments rather than activating Carreras’ full release clause in a single payment.

Talks between the two clubs had intensified in recent weeks, with Benfica initially demanding the full release clause payment at once. However, Real Madrid’s negotiation strategy has paid off, which has paved the way for Carreras to make the move. However, one final step remains before the transfer is completed.

Notably, Carreras’ former club, Manchester United, hold a buy-back option. According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are awaiting formal confirmation that United will not activate the clause, after which Carreras will travel to Spain to undergo his medical and complete the move.

🚨💣 EXCL: Álvaro Carreras to Real Madrid, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between Real and Benfica.

Real negotiated to pay €50m in multiple installments instead of one-payment clause.

As soon as Man Utd confirm they don’t activate buy back clause, Álvaro will travel. pic.twitter.com/j0dWqC9zXe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2025

Alvaro Carreras’ Journey

Alvaro Carreras’ journey to this point has been anything but conventional. The Spanish defender left Real Madrid’s academy as a youngster to seek opportunities at Manchester United. However, he never made a senior appearance for the English club. He went on loan spells at Preston North End and Granada, but it wasn’t until his move to Benfica that his career truly took off. He established himself as one of the most promising left-backs in European football at the Portugee giants with his pace, composure and attacking contributions down the flank.

At just 22 years old, Carreras fits the mold of the type of player Real Madrid targets in its long-term project. The club has already seen success with this strategy through signings like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler. Now, Carreras will look to follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Marcelo, and make his mark at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The signing will come at a critical time for Real Madrid, following their heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso will hope that Carreras can provide stability and attacking threat down the left side as Los Blancos reshape their squad for the upcoming La Liga and Champions League campaigns.

Alvaro Carreras

Benfica

La Liga

Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso

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.