Álvaro Carreras joins Real Madrid after Benfica rise
Real Madrid have signed Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for €50 million (£43m), giving the 22-year-old a six-year deal. The left-back trained with Madrid’s youth team from 2017 to 2020 before moving to Manchester United.
Though he didn’t play for United’s main squad, Carreras gained game time while on loan at Preston and Granada. In January 2024, he joined Benfica on loan, then signed full-time in May for a reported £5 million. He made 68 games for Benfica, scored five goals, and helped them take second place in the league last season. He also played in their Club World Cup squad. In a key note from the deal, 'Manchester United would receive 20% on anything above how much they paid for the player.'
Madrid now brings home a talent they once groomed, this time proven and with fresh strength.
