Real Madrid Set to Speed Up Talks for Alvaro Carreras After Cup Final

Real Madrid are getting ready to step up their talks with Benfica for left-back Alvaro Carreras. They plan to do this right after the Taça de Portugal final. The 21-year-old defender has already agreed to terms with the Spanish club. Now, only the discussions between the clubs remain to complete the transfer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid have chosen Benfica‘s Alvaro Carreras as their main left-back target. They plan to speed up talks with Benfica after the Taça de Portugal final. Carreras, who used to play for Manchester United, has already decided to join Real Madrid. He is ready to sign a long-term contract until 2031. He will earn about €10 million per season, which is about £160,000 weekly.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This transfer is part of Real Madrid’s plan to change their defense for the next season. They already plan to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, which shows a big change coming in their defense. Benfica signed Carreras from Manchester United for just €6 million last year. Now, they want around €50 million (£42.1 million) for him. This shows how much his value has increased in one season.

MADRID’S URGENT TIMELINE

Real Madrid are working under a tight deadline. The incoming manager, Xabi Alonso, wants Carreras in the team for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14. Madrid may have to accept Benfica’s high demands soon. Alonso is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti as head coach. He supports bringing in Carreras and sees him as the ideal left-back for his strategy.

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

After the Taça de Portugal final, Real Madrid and Benfica will enter the main phase of negotiations. With Carreras already agreeing to the move, Real Madrid must now negotiate with Benfica’s President Rui Costa, known for being a tough negotiator. Carreras’s former club, Manchester United, will benefit from any transfer due to sell-on clauses already agreed with Benfica. Real Madrid are set for their third major defensive signing ahead of the 2025-26 season under Xabi Alonso.