Real Madrid are reportedly exploring a unique strategy to sign Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, by leveraging Manchester United in the process. Carreras, who was initially signed by United from Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2020, showed early promise at Old Trafford, winning the Under-23 Player of the Year award in 2022. However, he struggled to break into the first team, leading to loan spells at Preston North End, Granada, and ultimately Benfica in January 2024.
Benfica later secured Carreras permanently for €6 million (£5.1m) last summer, and after an impressive season in Portugal, Real Madrid are now keen to bring him back to Spain. However, reports from AS claim that Benfica is demanding Carreras’ €50m (£42m) release clause, a price that Madrid is unwilling to meet.
To work around this, Madrid are said to be considering a plan where they would ask Manchester United to activate Carreras’ €18m (£15.3m) buyout clause, which they negotiated with Benfica last year. Once United triggers the clause, Real Madrid would then negotiate directly with them to secure the 22-year-old left-back for a fee between €30m and €35m (£25m – £29.8m).
While United had been linked with a return for Carreras in the January window, the deal fell through as Benfica opted for a £25.2m move for Patrick Dorgu. Carreras, when asked about the prospect of a move back to Madrid, remained committed to Benfica, saying, “I have a long-term contract here, I’m happy, and I owe them everything.”
Real Madrid are in need of a new left-back following Ferland Mendy’s season-ending thigh injury, and Carreras has emerged as a potential solution, although the deal remains far from finalized.