Real Madrid complete full-back Alvaro Carreras signing from SL Benfica-OxBig News Network

Real Madrid have officially brought Alvaro Carreras back to the Santiago Bernabeu, signing the Spanish left-back from SL Benfica on a six-year deal. The 22-year-old returns to the club where he once trained as a teenager, now a much more polished and battle-tested defender.

Carreras came through Madrid’s academy between 2017 and 2020 before taking a leap to Manchester United in search of senior opportunities. While he never featured for United’s first team, loan stints at Preston North End and Granada offered him much-needed experience. His breakthrough came after a loan switch to Benfica in January 2024, which became a permanent move for around 5 million just a few months later.

“Real Madrid C. F. and Sport Lisboa e Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player lvaro Carreras, who is linked to our club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2031,” Los Blancos statement read.

His rise in Portugal was quick and impressive. Last season, Carreras played 68 games across all competitions, netted five goals, and was instrumental in helping Benfica finish second in the league. He also featured regularly in the Champions League and was part of their Club World Cup squad.

Now, Madrid have paid 50 million euros (43 million pounds) to secure his return — a deal that will also benefit Manchester United, who are entitled to 20% of the profit made by Benfica on the transfer.

Carreras arrives as part of a major defensive rebuild led by new manager Xabi Alonso. The Spanish coach, now at the helm following Carlo Ancelotti’s exit, has already brought in Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold to reshape the backline after a frustrating 2024–25 campaign. Madrid ended the season without a single trophy, missing out on LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.

With Ferland Mendy battling fitness issues and Fran Garcia struggling to make the position his own, Carreras was Alonso’s top target to fill the void at left-back. A Spain U21 international with high-level European experience, he’s seen as someone who can not only slot into the lineup immediately but also grow into a key figure over the long term.

– Ends