Real Madrid Sign Álvaro Carreras in €50m Deal from Benfica

Real Madrid have signed Spanish left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for €50 million. The 22-year-old agreed to a five-year contract to return to his boyhood club.

According to a previous report, Álvaro Carreras agreed on a five-year contract with Real Madrid.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Álvaro Carreras has signed for Real Madrid after Benfica approved his transfer. While personal terms were agreed weeks ago, talks between the clubs stalled in June. Madrid succeeded in securing a deal by agreeing to pay the full €50 million release clause in instalments. Carreras had spent three important years at Real Madrid’s academy before moving to Manchester United in search of first-team football. Last season, he made his breakthrough at Benfica, playing 32 Primeira Liga matches and featuring 10 times in the Champions League, establishing himself as one of Europe’s top young left-backs.

Real Madrid and Álvaro Carreras reached a deal now reported to be worth €50 million.

Additionally, Carreras helped Benfica reach the Champions League round of 16 last season.

REAL MADRID’S DEFENSIVE SHAKE-UP

This signing is part of a major overhaul of their defense after the disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Real Madrid finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona, lost the Copa del Rey final, and were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals. Carreras follows other new defenders Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold in joining the club as Los Blancos attempt to reload before the start of the new season. Carreras’ arrival puts the pressure onto Real Madrid’s existing left-back duo of Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy after their struggles for consistency last season. Garcia is now linked with a move to AC Milan, while Mendy has had ongoing injury issues throughout the year.

Real Madrid finished second in La Liga last season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CARRERAS AND REAL MADRID?

Real Madrid’s first major test of the upcoming season will be their La Liga opener against Osasuba before facing newly promoted Real Oviedo. The team will aim to reduce the eight-point gap that separated them from champions Barcelona last term. For Carreras, expectations are high after what was a fantastic campaign at Benfica, with the Spain international set to become first-choice left-back as soon as possible. Integrating Carreras into Xabi Alonso’s plans will be crucial as Madrid are planning a return to silverware, with renewed ambition in La Liga, Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup.