Real Madrid announced that he successfully recruited the fourth rookie in the summer transfer window 2025. It was defender Alvaro Carreras for a fee of 50 million euros and the contract term to June 2031.
Pick up “wandered child”
Alvaro Carreras returned to Real Madrid after 5 seasons wandering through MU and Benfica. He used to wear the youth team of Los Blancos in the period of 2017–2020. The Royal team announced this defender's deal after reaching an agreement with Benfica.
At the age of 22, Carreras signed a contract with a term of 6 years, lasting until June 30, 2031, in order to enhance the position of left -back. This is one of the main worries of coach Carlo Ancelotti last season because Ferland Mendy was constantly injured. Carreras will officially launch at 13h Tuesday (Spain now) at Real Madrid City Training Center and will join the army after the summer vacation.
Carreras joined the Real Madrid training furnace in 2017, but after playing to Juvenil C level, he moved to Man United on the form of free transfer by 2020.
In fact, the Red Devils once owned the term of purchase of 18 million euros but not activated, while the Liberation Clause that Benfica set out was 50 million euros. This is the amount that according to the Portuguese team, Real Madrid has paid fully. As for MU, they will receive 7 million euros from this deal.
Carreras is the third contract to strengthen Real Madrid's defense, after the deal of defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for 62.5 million euros and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on CNTD (Real spent 10 million euros to join the FIFA Club World Cup 2025).
In addition, Los Blancos also officially welcomed midfielder Franco Mastastuono from River Plate for 45 million euros. This is a promising addition to attack.
The defender runs with a wide range of activity
New coach Xabi Alonso is strengthening the left corridor of the Real Madrid squad. Fran Garcia has stabilized at the FIFA Club World Cup and is likely to continue to play an important role in the squad, unexpectedly.
Meanwhile, Carreras is a shield -back model capable of going to play with a wide range of operations, in line with the football philosophy of coach Xabi Alonso, who loves the three central defenders and the two defenders tend to attack.
After impressing the Manchester United (Carreras reserve team (Carreras has never played for the first team), the Spanish defender was lent to Preston North End, where he accumulated experience in Championship.
Last summer, Benfica recruited Carreras. And right in the first season in Lisbon, he captured the main stone, standing out thanks to the mature tactical thinking and full physical foundation.
Carreras's dazzling performance has caught the eye of many European giants – including Real Madrid, the team once let him go freely 5 years ago and now ready to invest to bring him back.
Carreras's farewell with Benfica
Carreras also sent his gratitude to Benfica. On personal social networks, he wrote a message of emotion: “Today, I have to say goodbye to the club that has been my house for the past 1 and a half years. I can only say thank you to all teammates, coaches, staff and leaders who have accompanied me in this journey. It is difficult to express in words, but I want to say from my heart.”
“Thank you for your trust, helping me to grow up as a player and a person. I bring unforgettable memories, valuable and emotional lessons from the fans are always around. Leaving is not easy, but I leave with my heart full and continue to pursue my dream, with the belief that I have always devoted myself to this sacred shirt.