With a big summer of change brewing at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid is moving fast to reinforce its defence—and their latest target might just surprise Manchester United fans.
The Spanish giants are reportedly in talks to sign Álvaro Carreras, a name once touted as a future star at Old Trafford but who quietly slipped away to Benfica last year.
Carreras’ Journey from Madrid to Manchester and Back Again
Interestingly, this wouldn’t be Carreras’ first connection to Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old left-back actually began his youth career with Los Blancos before heading to Manchester United in 2022.
During his time in England, Carreras made a strong impression in the youth setup—he was even named United’s Under-23 Player of the Year that same season.
But despite all the early promise, he never managed to break into the senior team.
Instead, Carreras was sent out on multiple loans, including stints at Preston, Granada, and finally Benfica.
It was that final move that turned into a permanent deal when Benfica activated a clause in his contract, signing him for £5 million last summer.
United Had the Chance to Bring Him Back—But Didn’t
Carreras left Manchester United without ever making a competitive appearance, and the club had the option to change that.
A £15 million buy-back clause was in place, and many assumed the Red Devils might use it in January. Instead, they chose to invest in Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
Now, it looks like Real Madrid is preparing to pounce—and they’re not shy about their intentions.
Real Madrid Want Him Before the Club World Cup
According to The Athletic, Madrid has opened formal talks with Benfica to bring Carreras back to Spain.
With the Club World Cup coming up this summer in the United States, the timing is crucial.
Madrid is reportedly hoping to seal the deal before that tournament kicks off, and while Carreras has a hefty £42 million release clause, they’re believed to be negotiating a lower figure.
Carreras has enjoyed a standout season in Portugal, appearing in 40 matches across all competitions.
He’s chipped in with four goals and five assists and played a key role in Benfica’s Portuguese League Cup triumph earlier this year.
The Player Wants to Leave After the Portuguese Cup Final
The transfer talk isn’t just speculation. Reports claim Carreras is preparing to make his intentions clear to Benfica management following the Portuguese Cup final against Sporting Lisbon this weekend.
With his stock rising and Real Madrid calling, it’s no wonder he’s eyeing a bigger stage.
Madrid’s Defensive Overhaul Is Well Underway
Carreras isn’t the only defender on Madrid’s radar. The club has already finalized a £50 million deal for Spanish international Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
And that’s not all—Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to join after announcing his departure from the Premier League champions at the end of the season.
All of this is part of a broader rebuild being orchestrated in preparation for a new chapter under incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
The Bayer Leverkusen boss is tipped to take over once Carlo Ancelotti steps aside to take the reins of the Brazilian national team.
Club World Cup Priority Drives Early Transfer Push
Madrid’s eagerness in the transfer market is partly fueled by their upcoming appearance in the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.
The Spanish side will take on Al Hilal, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage, starting with a high-profile opener against Saudi side Al Hilal on June 18.
Clearly, Real Madrid wants their squad locked and loaded before then—and Carreras might just be part of that master plan.