Rafael Obrador Set for Benfica Move as Real Madrid Secure Buy-Back Clause

Rafael Obrador is about to join Benfica after getting permission from Real Madrid to travel to Lisbon for medical tests. The 21-year-old defender will transfer for an initial €5 million fee, and Madrid have included a buy-back clause in the deal.

According to a previous report, Rafael Obrador will join Benfica on a permanent deal from Real Madrid.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Benfica and Real Madrid have agreed on the permanent transfer of Rafael Obrador. The Spanish left-back, who played last season for Real Madrid Castilla, will undergo medical tests in Lisbon before signing with the Primeira Liga runners-up. Real Madrid insisted on a buy-back option as part of the deal, showing they still have faith in Obrador’s long-term potential. This transfer is linked to Madrid’s incoming signing of Álvaro Carreras from Benfica, with Obrador moving the other way as part of the overall agreement between the clubs.

A previous report confirmed that Real Madrid plan to send Rafael Obrador to Benfica as part of the deal for Álvaro Carreras.

THE DEAL IN CONTEXT

Obrador, 21, regularly played for Castilla in the Primera Federación last season but did not break into Madrid’s crowded senior squad. Benfica, who finished second in Portugal’s top flight and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, have been seeking to reinforce their left side after defensive departures this summer. The agreed €5 million fee is considered a good value for a young player with high potential. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will pay between €40-45 million for Carreras, who is expected to join the Spanish champions after the Club World Cup.

A previous report confirmed that Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga last season and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in the 2024/25 season.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Obrador is expected to complete his medical and sign his contract today, joining Benfica in time for pre-season training. Benfica’s next match will be the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira against league champions Sporting CP, who finished three points above them last year. Benfica hope Obrador can help them close that gap and challenge for the title. Real Madrid, who lost LaLiga by a six-point margin last season, add Carreras to their squad for the new campaign, further strengthening their options at left-back. Both clubs are hoping for quick integration for their new signings as pre-season preparations intensify ahead of the 2025-26 season.

A previous report confirmed that Real Madrid finished second in La Liga last season, just behind Barcelona.