Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of Álvaro Fernandez Carreras from Benfica. The 22-year-old Spanish left-back signs a six-year deal until 3 June 2031, returning to the club where he began his youth development. Los Blancos will pay €50 million, the full value of Carrera’s release clause, in multiple installments. Carreras will be presented at Real Madrid City on Tuesday at 1:00 pm.
Transfer Saga: From Club World Cup Dispute to Final Agreement
Real Madrid had initially aimed to sign Carreras in time for the Club World Cup, and a deal seemed imminent back in May. However, Benfica refused to release the player at the time, despite the agreement between the clubs. Carreras eventually featured in the tournament with Benfica, but Madrid never abandoned their pursuit. The club reactivated the deal this summer, sealing the full-back's return to Valdebebas.
Comunicado Oficial: Carreras.#RealMadrid | #WelcomeCarreras
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 14, 2025
Carreras' Home Return: Left Madrid for free and returns for €50m
Carreras was a Madrid youth player from 2017 to 2020, making this a homecoming of sorts. Born in Ferrol, Carreras began at Deportivo La Coruña’s academy before joining Real Madrid’s youth system in 2017. He moved to Manchester United in 2020, primarily playing for their U-23 side. Loan spells at Preston North End, Granada, and Benfica followed. The Portuguese club signed him permanently in 2024, just months before Real Madrid came calling again. "Alvaro was able to dribble to coordinate very well. He had intelligence and knew how to position himself," says the first youth coach at Depor's academy. According to sources in Madrid, the full-back was one of the first academy players to undergo individual training sessions, mainly to improve his acceleration.
📢 Official | Real Madrid have signed Álvaro Carreras from Benfica on a deal until summer 2031.
— Madrid ball (@Madridball1) July 14, 2025
👶 A product of our academy (2017–2020), he shone at Manchester United.
🏆 Won the Portuguese League Cup this year.
📅 Presentation tomorrow, Tuesday at 13:00 in Real Madrid City. pic.twitter.com/fymcJu6o3e
Carreras' Arrival shakes up Left-Back Hierarchy
Despite Ferland Mendy and Fran García's experience at Madrid, Carreras is set to become Xabi Alonso's first-choice left-back. One of the existing options is expected to depart this summer. Carreras excelled in Portugal, recording nine goal involvement in 50 games (four goals, five assists), and became one of the most sought-after left-backs in Europe.
