Real Madrid have officially welcomed back a familiar face: left-back Alvaro Carreras has rejoined the club on a six-year deal after an impressive season with Benfica.
Xabi Alonso’s New Option: Carreras Signs Six-Year Deal at Real Madrid
The 22‑year‑old Spaniard returns to the Santiago Bernabeu for a reported €50 million fee, as announced by both clubs on July 14, 2025.
A product of La Fabrica, Carreras spent three years in Real’s youth system (2017–2020) before moving to Manchester United in 2020.
Though he didn’t break into United’s first team, he earned plaudits on loan at Preston and Granada before catching fire during his 2024 move to Benfica.
In the 2024–25 season, he made 32 Primeira Liga appearances, notched five goals, and helped Benfica finish second in the league.
Joining the squad ahead of the Tour World Club Cup, Carreras becomes Real’s third defensive recruit of the summer, following centre-back Dean Huijsen and right-back Trent Alexander‑Arnold.
He brings welcome depth to the left-back position, joining Ferland Mendy and Fran García in a position that has lacked consistency since Marcelo’s exit.
Benfica’s rigorous negotiation, involving a staggered payment and a player exchange (Ivan Obrador), demonstrates the strategic patience behind the deal.
Carreras is set to be officially unveiled at Real Madrid City tomorrow at 1 pm CEST, where president Florentino Perez will introduce the newest addition.
The young defender’s return to his boyhood club marks a heartfelt homecoming—one paved by growth, resilience, and ambition.
