Real Madrid have completed the signing of Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Portuguese club Benfica in a deal valued at €50m (£43m). The 22-year-old has signed a six-year contract with the La Liga side.
Carreras, who previously spent three years in Madrid’s academy between 2017 and 2020, returns to the club after stints in England and Portugal.
Former Man Utd player returns to Spain
After his departure from Real Madrid’s youth ranks, Carreras joined Manchester United. However, he never made a first-team appearance for the Premier League club. Instead, he spent time out on loan, featuring for Preston North End and Granada.
In January 2024, the defender moved to Benfica, initially on a loan agreement. That switch was made permanent in May 2024, reportedly for a fee of £5m.
Under the terms of that transfer, Manchester United are set to receive 20% of any profit Benfica made from his sale.
Successful season in Portugal
Carreras featured 68 times for Benfica, contributing five goals from the left flank. His performances were key as the Lisbon club secured a second-place finish in the Portuguese league last season.
He was also included in Benfica’s squad for the expanded Club World Cup, gaining experience on the global stage before making his move back to Spain.
