According to AS.
Real Madrid is pursuing a strategic reinforcement at left back, setting its sights on Álvaro Carreras, the 22-year-old Spanish defender currently with Benfica. A product of Madrid’s youth system, Carreras left the club in 2020 in search of regular first-team football. After a stint at Manchester United and a successful transition to Benfica in 2022, his performances in both domestic and European competition have reignited interest in his return.
Benfica is reportedly demanding €60 million for the defender—an asking price Madrid is unlikely to meet outright. Instead, the club is exploring an alternative route involving Manchester United, which holds a buy-back clause valued around €18 million. Under this plan, United would re-sign Carreras and then transfer him to Madrid for a fee in the €30–35 million range, giving the English club a profit while reducing Madrid’s spending, according to a report from AS.
The move reflects broader concerns within Madrid’s squad, particularly over the durability of current left back Ferland Mendy. With scouting led by recruitment chief Juni Calafat, the club views Carreras as a cost-effective, culturally compatible addition who already understands the expectations at the Bernabéu.
