Man United’s Alvaro Carreras windfall on hold as Benfica president denies Real Madrid agreement | OneFootball

Manchester United will have to wait a little longer for a potential windfall from Alvaro Carreras departure from Benfica, as club president Rui Costa has dismissed claims that a deal with Real Madrid has already been agreed.

Since making his £5.1 million permanent switch from United last summer, Carreras has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting and highly-rated young full-backs.

He enjoyed a brilliant 2024/25 campaign, managing four goals and five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

There had been speculation that United were exploring the possibility of bringing Carreras back to Old Trafford, especially given the £15.3 million buy-back clause they included in his move to Benfica. However, those rumours were swiftly silenced following the January arrival of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.

Carreras has since been heavily linked to Real Madrid, who are looking to bolster their defensive department after a trophyless campaign that resulted in Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.

Xabi Alonso was appointed to replace Ancelotti and Madrid want to back the new boss to ensure he hits the ground running. Already, Los Blancos have confirmed the signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively.

A report covered by The Peoples Person indicated that Madrid had struck an agreement with Benfica for the transfer of Carreras.

With United holding a 20% sell-on clause on any future deal exceeding the £5 million Benfica originally paid, Ruben Amorim’s side were in line to gain significantly from the move.

The report claimed that Madrid and Benfica had shaken hands on a €45 million deal. This would have earned United a €9m windfall.

However, Benfica president Rui Costa has denied that there is any agreement between the Portuguese outfit and Madrid.

Costa said [as quoted by Record], “There were bid for the player. We didn’t reach any agreement with Real Madrid.”

“Carreras will play in the Club World Cup, and then we’ll see what happens with the whole market. He’s focused on having a good World Cup.”

“There were offers that did not please us – not for Carreras nor for any other player.”

“The market is at a standstill, both for departures and arrivals. We want to build a team in the Benfica way, but our focus right now needs to be on Monday’s match.”

It seems United will have to wait a little longer for their payday, but according to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Benfica and Madrid are still ongoing.

Carreras has already agreed personal terms with the Spanish giants.

Feature image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images

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