Real Madrid stunned the football world by announcing, on July 14, 2025, the signing of 22-year-old left-back Álvaro Carreras for 50 million euros ($60 million) in a deal with Benfica. A product of the club’s youth academy from 2017 to 2020, Carreras returns after stints at Manchester United, Granada, Preston North End, and Benfica, without ever playing for the senior teams of his former clubs. The transfer, one of the most expensive for a defender in Real Madrid’s history, was finalized after the Club World Cup, with payments spread over time to the Portuguese club. The move reflects coach Xabi Alonso’s strategy to revamp the defense, but questions linger about the hefty investment in a player once part of the club. The meta description, optimized for SEO, emphasizes the significance of Carreras’ return to Real Madrid.
The journey of the young Spaniard, born in Ferrol, is marked by twists and turns. He left Real Madrid in 2020 for Manchester United but struggled to break through. Loaned out three times, Carreras shone at Benfica, playing 68 matches in the 2024/25 season, scoring five goals and providing five assists. His tactical versatility and growth potential fueled his return to the Spanish giants.
- Key highlights of Carreras’ career:
- Trained in Real Madrid’s academy (2017-2020).
- Played for Preston North End, Granada, and Benfica.
- Started 50 of 52 matches for Benfica in 2024/25.
- Named Manchester United’s best under-23 player in 2021/22.
Managed by the same agency as Fran García and Dani Carvajal, Carreras has already posed with Real Madrid’s number 18 jersey, in an event attended by club president Florentino Pérez.
📸😎✨#WelcomeCarreras | @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/7X8Mhc59YP
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 15, 2025
Reasons behind the high investment
The 50-million-euro price tag for Álvaro Carreras raised eyebrows, especially for a player who never made Real Madrid’s senior team during his initial stint. The decision, however, aligns with the club’s strategy of reacquiring academy talents who excel elsewhere. Known for selling young prospects, Real Madrid saw Carreras as a chance to bolster the left-back position with a young, proven player in top competitions like the Portuguese League and Champions League.
Benfica, the selling club, has a strong reputation for negotiations. Under president Rui Costa, in charge since 2021, the club has secured high fees for its players. Carreras, acquired by Benfica for just 6 million euros in 2024 after a successful loan, became the club’s seventh-highest sale ever.
The deal also included the transfer of left-back Rafael Obrador to Benfica, with a buy-back clause, showcasing Real Madrid’s long-term vision for young talents. Coach Xabi Alonso’s confidence in Carreras’ potential further supports the investment, as the player fits into schemes with three center-backs or a four-man defense.
Carreras’ journey in European football
Born in Ferrol, Galicia, Álvaro Carreras began his career at Deportivo La Coruña’s youth setup before joining Real Madrid in 2017 at age 14. Over three years, he excelled in the under-15 to under-17 teams but couldn’t break into the senior squad. In 2020, a lucrative offer from Manchester United took him to England, where he faced challenges in securing a first-team spot.
At Manchester United, Carreras earned praise in the youth ranks, winning the best under-23 player award in 2021/22. However, then-manager Erik ten Hag, sacked in 2024, didn’t see him as part of the senior team’s plans. Loan spells at Preston North End in the Championship (2022/23) and Granada in La Liga (2023/24) gave him valuable experience, though without consistency.
It was at Benfica where Carreras found his stride. Signed permanently in July 2024, he became a regular starter, featuring in 68 matches during the 2024/25 season. His average of 77 minutes per game, coupled with five goals and five assists, showcased his offensive and defensive capabilities, drawing interest from top European clubs, including Real Madrid.
Numbers backing the investment
Carreras’ performance at Benfica was a key factor in Real Madrid’s decision. He started 50 of 52 possible matches in the 2024/25 season, demonstrating remarkable consistency for a 22-year-old.
- Carreras’ stats at Benfica (2024/25):
- 68 matches played (57 as a starter).
- 5 goals scored.
- 5 assists.
- Average of 77 minutes per match.
- Won the Portuguese League Cup.
In the Club World Cup, Carreras played 136 minutes and received two yellow cards. Despite limited minutes, his reliability at Benfica and growth potential justified Real Madrid’s investment.
Xabi Alonso’s role in the signing
Álvaro Carreras’ arrival at Real Madrid is closely tied to coach Xabi Alonso’s tactical vision. Taking over in 2024, Alonso aims to overhaul the defense with versatile, young players. Carreras, capable of playing as a wing-back or traditional left-back, fits seamlessly into Alonso’s dynamic style of play.
The left-back position will see fierce competition, with Fran García and Ferland Mendy as key contenders for a starting spot. Midfielder Camavinga could also be deployed there, adding to the challenge. Still, Alonso’s trust in Carreras suggests the player will have chances to shine.
Real Madrid’s tradition of repurchasing talent
Real Madrid has a history of bringing back academy players who succeed elsewhere. Examples like Dani Carvajal, repurchased after a stint at Bayer Leverkusen, and Álvaro Morata, reacquired from Juventus, highlight this approach. Unlike rivals Barcelona, who focus on developing for the first team, Real Madrid often sells young talents and buys them back once they mature elsewhere.
Carreras fits this mold. His 2020 departure at age 17 was driven by a strong financial offer from Manchester United. The English club targeted young Spaniards like Alejandro Garnacho at the time, but Carreras struggled for senior minutes. Now, Real Madrid bets on his growth to justify the 50-million-euro fee.
Financial benefits for other clubs
Carreras’ transfer also benefits former clubs through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism. Manchester United, where he played from 2020 to 2022, will receive around 7 million pounds ($9.6 million) as compensation. Deportivo La Coruña, his first club, may also get a smaller share, though amounts are lower.
Comparison with other transfers
Carreras’ sale ranks Benfica among Europe’s top dealmakers. At 50 million euros, the left-back is the club’s seventh-biggest transfer, trailing stars like João Félix (126 million euros) and Enzo Fernández (121 million euros). Benfica’s knack for maximizing player value is clear, especially since Carreras was signed for just 6 million euros in 2024.
- Benfica’s top sales:
- João Félix: 126 million euros (Atlético Madrid).
- Enzo Fernández: 121 million euros (Chelsea).
- Darwin Núñez: 75 million euros (Liverpool).
- Rúben Dias: 68 million euros (Manchester City).
- Álvaro Carreras: 50 million euros (Real Madrid).
Carreras’ future at Real Madrid
Signed until 2031, Álvaro Carreras faces the challenge of establishing himself at one of the world’s most demanding clubs. His versatility and experience in top competitions like the Champions League are advantages. The player has cited idols like Roberto Carlos and Marcelo, two of Real Madrid’s greatest left-backs, as inspirations.
The 2025/26 season will be pivotal in determining whether Carreras can outshine his rivals and validate the hefty investment. His youth and room for growth are strengths, but the pressure for immediate results at Real Madrid will test his mettle.
