Real Madrid Sign Former Man United Defender in £43m Deal – Confirmed | OneFootball

Real Madrid Secure Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in €50m Deal

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, marking a significant move in the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old returns to Madrid after a previous spell in the club’s youth ranks, signing a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carreras’ Journey from Manchester United to Benfica

Carreras’ footballing path has been anything but straightforward. Between 2017 and 2020, he developed in Real Madrid’s academy before making the switch to Manchester United. Despite showing promise, Carreras never made a senior appearance at Old Trafford. Instead, he went on loan to Preston and Granada, gaining valuable experience but remaining on the fringes of United’s first team.

In January 2024, Carreras joined Benfica on loan, with the move becoming permanent that May for a reported £5m fee. His performances quickly caught the eye, and he established himself as one of the standout left-backs in the Portuguese league. Over 68 appearances, he scored five goals and played an integral role in Benfica’s second-place league finish and their participation in the Club World Cup.

Financial Details and Manchester United’s Windfall

The transfer fee for Carreras stands at €50m (£43m), representing a substantial profit for Benfica in just over a year. Interestingly, Manchester United have benefited from the deal as well. Benfica confirmed that United would receive 20 percent of the fee above what the Portuguese side originally paid, giving the Premier League club a welcome financial boost from their former player’s rise.

Real Madrid’s Plans for Carreras

Bringing in Carreras is part of Real Madrid’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad with young, dynamic talent. The club see him as a player capable of providing both defensive solidity and attacking width down the left flank. His return to Madrid feels like a homecoming, with fans eager to see how he has matured since his teenage years at the club.

Carreras himself expressed his excitement about the move, stating: “I am thrilled to be back at Real Madrid. This is where my journey began, and I am ready to give everything for this shirt.”

Impact on Manchester United and Benfica

For Manchester United, Carreras’ success elsewhere highlights the ongoing debate around their youth development system and player pathways. Meanwhile, Benfica continue to showcase their reputation for nurturing talent and making shrewd business decisions, turning modest signings into high-value transfers.

As Carreras prepares to embark on this new chapter with Real Madrid, both United and Benfica will watch closely, knowing they played important roles in his journey to the top.