REAL MADRID SET TO SIGN ÁLVARO CARRERAS FROM BENFICA

Real Madrid have agreed on personal terms with Benfica defender Álvaro Carreras. They will now negotiate a transfer fee with Benfica for the talented left-back.

DEAL TAKING SHAPE

Real Madrid and Benfica are in talks this week about Álvaro Carreras‘s transfer. The 22-year-old left-back has agreed to a five-year contract with Real Madrid. He will reportedly earn around €9 million per year.

Carreras has a €50 million release clause in his Benfica contract, but Real Madrid want to negotiate a lower fee. Manchester United, who sold Carreras to Benfica last year for €6 million, have a buy-back option of around €18 million but are unlikely to use it.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Carreras has impressed with his performances in Europe this season. He has scored four goals and provided five assists for Benfica, who reached the round of 16 in the Champions League. The defender trained at Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica, before leaving in 2020.

Real Madrid are overhauling their defense with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen already signed for next season. Xabi Alonso is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti as head coach next summer.

Real Madrid lead La Liga by eight points with four games remaining. They have already qualified for next season’s Champions League and will compete in the expanded Club World Cup, so squad strengthening is needed.

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Once the transfer fee is agreed, Carreras will become Real Madrid’s third defensive signing for 2025-26 season. Carreras has been identified as a perfect fit for Xabi Alonso’s 3-1-4-2 system. He has the ability to carry the ball forward, deliver accurate crosses, and provide defensive cover.

Ferland Mendy is the only senior left-back in the squad and has failed to impress this season. Carreras would face competition from youngster Pedro Gonzalez for a starting berth though.

Real Madrid play Real Betis this weekend, as they look to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga.