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Real Madrid’s squad overhaul continues to gather steam with the signing of Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, the club confirmed.
The 22-year-old, once a promising talent in Madridâ™s youth system before heading to Manchester United in 2020, has now returned to the Bernabéu on a six-year contract.
The deal, reportedly worth close to 50 million euros, marks Real's fourth major signing in what is shaping up to be a significant squad rebuild. Carreras joins the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono, bringing the clubâ™s estimated transfer spending in the transfer window to around 170 million euros.
"Real Madrid and Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of Alvaro Carreras, who will be under contract with our club for the next six seasons, until 30 June 2031," the club said in an official statement.
Carreras made 62 appearances for Benfica and scored five goals during his stint in Portugal, which began as a loan before Benfica secured his services permanently from Manchester United in 2024 for 6 million euros.
The high-profile signings come in the wake of a trophyless campaign for Madrid, which led to the departure of head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso has since taken the reins, tasked with restoring the clubâ™s competitive edge. Alonso guided Madrid to the Club World Cup semi-finals, but the team suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of eventual runners-up Paris Saint-Germain.
With Carreras back in white, Real Madrid fans will be hoping this rebuild lays the groundwork for a return to glory in the coming season.
