Real Madrid to accelerate talks for 22-year-old target after May 25 – Romano | OneFootball

According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are ready to fast-track their pursuit of Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, with negotiations set to accelerate immediately after the Portuguese Cup final on May 25.

The player has already reached a full agreement with Los Blancos over personal terms, and all that remains now is an agreement between the two clubs.

The Spanish giants have identified Carreras as their preferred choice to reinforce the left-back position this summer, edging out other options such as Alejandro Grimaldo.

With the contract ready and a salary package of around €9 million per year agreed upon, the focus now shifts to finalising terms with Benfica.

The Madrid hierarchy want the deal completed swiftly so that Carreras can be integrated into Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of the pre-season.

Another defensive reinforcement

Carreras, widely regarded as one of the brightest young full-backs in Europe, is set to sign a long-term contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2031.

Alvaro Carreras is set to sign for Real Madrid. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s confidence in the player is underlined by both the duration of the deal and the financial package on offer. It also reflects their broader strategy of locking down emerging talents early, as they have done with the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham.

However, while the player’s side is fully aligned with Real Madrid, the final obstacle lies in negotiations with Benfica.

The Portuguese side have so far stood firm on Carreras’ €50 million release clause, but Madrid are looking to bring the fee down through structured payments or performance-based bonuses.

Talks are ongoing, and there is optimism that a compromise can be reached once Benfica’s season concludes with the Cup final.

The urgency from Madrid is understandable. With the Club World Cup fast approaching, they want to complete major business early and avoid a drawn-out summer saga.

Carreras’ arrival would not only provide fresh energy on the left flank but also allow Ferland Mendy’s future to be reassessed, with some reports suggesting the Frenchman could be moved on.