Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid Close to Sealing Alvaro Carreras After FIFA Club World Cup

Los Blancos Close In on €50M Benfica Defender As Xabi Alonso Rebuilds Squad.

Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid are on the verge of completing a deal to bring Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica to the Santiago Bernabeu. Reportedly, negotiations between the two clubs are in the final stages. Talks had initially stalled as Benfica were not willing to go below the full €50 million release clause.

However, as per a Marca report, tensions have since eased after Madrid agreed to include Rafael Obrador to move to Benfica as part of the deal. The 22-year-old defender started his youth career at Deportivo La Coruna before joining Madrid at 14. And he has long been keen on returning to the Spanish capital.

🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid are closing in on Álvaro Carreras deal… with Rafael Obrador to Benfica included as part of negotiations.

Fixed fee plus Obrador deal at the final stages with clubs set to complete the agreement in next days.

Carreras to Real, here we go soon. 🤍🧨 pic.twitter.com/7cbmfkIJC6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 8, 2025

After an unsuccessful stint at Manchester United and a brief loan at Granada, Carreras found his footing at Benfica. His start at the Portuguese club wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows either. However, he flourished in his second season and secured a permanent move in 2024.

Madrid Eye Reinforcements Under Xabi Alonso

New manager Xabi Alonso has been actively reshaping the squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. If they manage to land Carreras, he would become Los Blancos’ fourth signing of the summer. They’ve already bagged Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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The club’s intention was to have most of their defensive reinforcements in place ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, the Carreras deal proved difficult to close in time. Benfica president Rui Costa’s refusal to entertain offers below the €50m release clause led to a delay.

Whereas, Madrid were hoping to secure the player for around €40m. However, not only is the club now willing, but Carreras also seemed determined to join Madrid. Reportedly, he fused to play in Benfica’s last two tournament games against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

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This was mainly due to frustrations over the stalled move. Thus, further fueling speculation about his imminent departure. As per the journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, “Everything is almost done.” The transfer is expected to be finalized once Real Madrid come back from Club World Cup.

The arrival of Carreras could have significant implications for Madrid’s current left-back lineup. Ferland Mendy is likely to be put on the transfer list. This would leave Carreras to compete with Fran Garcia, who impressed during Madrid’s Club World Cup quarter-final win. Their next clash is against PSG in the semi-final.

Alvaro Carreras

Benfica

Club World Cup

Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.