Real Madrid have reached a €50 million agreement with Benfica for the signing of Spanish left-back Álvaro Carreras, marking their fourth major signing of the summer transfer window, according to reports from The Athletic published earlier today.
The 22-year-old defender is now set to travel to Madrid to undergo his medical examination and finalize personal terms with Los Blancos. Sources suggest he “could be confirmed as a Real Madrid player as early as this weekend” if all formalities proceed smoothly.
Real Madrid told Rodrigo that he can leave the club in a fresh update
The deal is a big breakthrough after months of complex negotiations between the two clubs. Real Madrid had initially hoped to secure Carreras in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, but talks stalled when Benfica president Rui Costa blocked the move in June. However, negotiations resumed earlier this week, culminating in today’s agreement.
Rather than activating Carreras’ €50 million release clause, Real Madrid have negotiated to pay the fee across three installments, a payment structure similar to their recent acquisition of Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth. This approach allows the Spanish giants to manage their financial commitments while securing one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.
Carreras joins an impressive summer recruitment drive at the Santiago Bernabéu. Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold arrived at the start of June and were integrated into Xabi Alonso’s squad for the Club World Cup. The club also confirmed a deal for Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, though he cannot officially join until he turns 18 in August.
The Spanish left-back’s arrival addresses a persistent problem for Real Madrid. Both Ferland Mendy and Fran García have struggled to provide consistent performances at the highest level in recent seasons, prompting the club’s hierarchy to prioritize finding a long-term solution for the left-back role.
Carreras is expected to immediately compete for the starting left-back position and could become Real Madrid’s first-choice option for the 2025-26 season. His attacking prowess and defensive solidity impressed during his time at Benfica, particularly in Champions League fixtures that caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.
The defender’s journey to Real Madrid is a big career rise. Originally developed in Real Madrid’s own academy system, La Fábrica, Carreras left the club in 2020 seeking regular first-team opportunities. After a brief stint at Manchester United, he moved to Benfica in 2024, where his performances quickly established him as one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football.
Real Madrid told Rodrigo that he can leave the club
Manchester United are expected to benefit financially from the transfer through sell-on clauses included in their original deal with Benfica, adding to their recent success in generating revenue from former academy players who have moved to bigger clubs.
The timing of the agreement allows Carreras to join Real Madrid’s preseason preparations, with the club hoping to integrate him into their tactical system before the start of the new campaign. His versatility and modern playing style make him an ideal fit for Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical approach.
With this signing, Real Madrid continue their strategy of investing in young, promising talent while maintaining their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. The club’s supporters will be eager to see how quickly Carreras can adapt to the demands of playing for Los Blancos.
The official announcement is expected within days, with Carreras likely to be presented at the Santiago Bernabéu once all contractual formalities are completed and his medical examination is successfully concluded.
