Real Madrid Nears Signing of Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras in €35M Deal

Real Madrid is on the verge of securing a major transfer coup, having reached an agreement in principle with Benfica’s 22-year-old Spanish left-back, Álvaro Carreras, as of May 19, 2025. The La Liga giants, under new manager Xabi Alonso, are pushing to finalize the deal ahead of the Club World Cup, with negotiations ongoing to lower Carreras’s €50 million release clause to around €35 million. Sources confirm that personal terms with the player are nearly settled, and Carreras is expected to express his desire to join Real Madrid after Benfica’s Portuguese Cup Final.

Carreras, who joined Benfica in 2024 for €6 million after a stint with Manchester United, has emerged as a key target due to his attacking flair, seen as an upgrade over Ferland Mendy. The deal’s complexity involves Manchester United, who hold an €18 million buy-back clause and could profit by reselling him to Madrid. This move highlights Real Madrid’s intent to bolster their defense, which has shown vulnerabilities this season. Fans are optimistic that Carreras will thrive at the Bernabéu, potentially becoming a cornerstone for the club in the 2025-26 season.