Real Madrid have officially completed the signing of Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in a deal worth €50 million. The 22-year-old returns to the Spanish giants, where he once played as a youth, signing a six-year contract until 2031. With the keyword Alvaro Carreras emphasized throughout, this move marks a significant step in Real Madrid’s defensive rebuild following a trophyless 2024-25 season.
Alvaro Carreras Transfer : Key Details
- Player Name: Alvaro Carreras
- Age: 22
- Position: Left-back
- Nationality: Spanish
- Transferred From: Benfica
- Transferred To: Real Madrid
- Transfer Fee: €50 million
- Contract Duration: 6 years (until 2031)
- Former Clubs: Deportivo La Coruña, Real Madrid (youth), Manchester United, Benfica
- Appearances for Benfica: 68 appearances, 5 goals
- 2024/25 Season Stats: 32 appearances in Primeira Liga, 10 in Champions League
- Manchester United Clause: 20% of profit above £5M (approx. €8.8M)
Alvaro Carreras Returns to the Bernabeu
Alvaro Carreras began his football journey at Deportivo La Coruna before joining Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2017. He spent three formative years at La Fabrica, developing alongside fellow talents like Raul Asencio. However, with limited first-team opportunities, Carreras left for Manchester United in 2020.
Despite showing promise at United and even earning the Under-23 Player of the Year award in 2022, Carreras never made a senior appearance. Instead, he gained experience through loan spells at Preston North End and Granada. His breakthrough came after moving to Benfica on loan in January 2024, which was later made permanent for £5 million.
Carreras enjoyed a strong 2024-25 campaign with Benfica, registering 32 appearances in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and playing 10 times in the UEFA Champions League. He contributed five goals and helped the team finish second in the domestic league. His performances drew attention from several clubs, but it was Real Madrid who acted decisively.
Benfica agreed to the deal after Madrid activated Carreras’ €50 million release clause. The transaction was finalized with an agreement to pay in instalments. Manchester United also benefit from the deal, earning approximately €8.8 million due to a sell-on clause from his previous transfer.
Real Madrid’s Defensive Revamp Continues
The signing of Alvaro Carreras is part of a major defensive overhaul at Real Madrid. The club has already secured Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, while also bringing in midfield prospect Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.
The 22-year-old left-back is expected to challenge for a starting position immediately. Real Madrid struggled at left-back last season due to Ferland Mendy’s recurring injuries and inconsistent performances from Fran Garcia. Carreras, with his pace, technical ability, and familiarity with Madrid’s system, offers a homegrown solution.
Although Real Madrid had hoped to sign Carreras before the FIFA Club World Cup, Benfica insisted on his participation in the tournament. Following the conclusion of the competition, the transfer was finalized, and Carreras is set to be officially presented at the Bernabeu in front of fans.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid aim to rebuild a squad capable of reclaiming domestic and European dominance. The addition of Alvaro Carreras not only improves the left-back position but also helps satisfy UEFA’s homegrown player requirements for the Champions League.
Carreras’ return to his boyhood club also symbolizes Madrid’s commitment to investing in youth and re-establishing a pipeline from their academy to the first team.
With this high-profile move, Alvaro Carreras becomes a central figure in Real Madrid’s plans for the future. His growth since leaving the club, strong season at Benfica, and familiarity with Spanish football make him a perfect candidate to anchor the left side of the defence. Fans will be eager to see if Carreras can help lead Los Blancos back to silverware under Xabi Alonso.
FAQs
Q1. What is the transfer fee for Alvaro Carreras?
Real Madrid paid a transfer fee of €50 million to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in July 2025. The deal also included a profit-based sell-on clause for Manchester United.
Q2. How long is Alvaro Carreras’ contract with Real Madrid?
Alvaro Carreras has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2031.
Q3. What are Alvaro Carreras’ stats from the 2024/25 season?
In the 2024/25 season, Alvaro Carreras made 32 appearances in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and played 10 matches in the UEFA Champions League, contributing significantly to Benfica’s success.
Q4. Did Alvaro Carreras play for Real Madrid before?
Yes, Alvaro Carreras was part of Real Madrid’s youth academy from 2017 to 2020 before moving to Manchester United. His recent transfer marks a return to his boyhood club.