Real Madrid is on the verge of officially confirming a significant $54 million signing, with Benfica’s promising left-back Álvaro Carreras (Fernández) reportedly slated to arrive in the Spanish capital today, Saturday, July 12, 2025. This high-profile transfer comes after Manchester United decided against exercising their buyback clause for their former academy talent, paving the way for Los Blancos to bring the defender back to his roots at the Bernabéu.
A Familiar Face Returns: Carreras’ Journey to Madrid
Álvaro Carreras, a vibrant 22-year-old and Spain U21 international, is no stranger to the white of Real Madrid. He spent three formative years in their youth academy between 2017 and 2020. However, despite his potential, he initially didn’t break into the senior squad, leading to a free transfer to Manchester United five years ago. Yet, a senior appearance at Old Trafford also eluded him.
His professional journey then took a decisive turn. After loan spells at Preston North End in England and Granada in Spain, Carreras eventually found his footing at Portuguese powerhouse Benfica. Initially joining on loan, his consistent and eye-catching performances quickly convinced Benfica to make the move permanent for a mere $6.5 million last summer. At the Estádio da Luz, Carreras truly flourished, seamlessly stepping into the considerable void left by Alejandro Grimaldo (who joined Bayer Leverkusen) and transforming into a key player. He’s since impressively tallied five goals and six assists in 68 matches across all competitions for the Portuguese giants, showcasing his attacking prowess from defense.
Manchester United’s Calculated Decision and Real Madrid’s Seize the Opportunity
Carreras’s rapid and impressive development in Portugal didn’t go unnoticed. Speculation grew that Manchester United might activate their buyback clause, reportedly set around $30 million, to repatriate him. However, according to highly reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils ultimately chose not to exercise this option. This strategic decision by United effectively cleared the path for Real Madrid to re-enter the picture, signaling their clear intent to rectify a past oversight and bring a talent they once nurtured back into their fold.
Romano has confirmed that Carreras has received the green light to travel to Madrid today, Saturday, for his scheduled medical examination. This final step precedes the official announcement of his return to Xabi Alonso’s burgeoning squad. Real Madrid is reportedly set to pay $54 million to Benfica for Carreras, with the fee structured in installments, representing a substantial profit for the Portuguese club on a player they acquired for a fraction of that cost.
Reinforcing the Future: Real Madrid’s Summer Strategy
Carreras’s arrival will mark him as Real Madrid’s fourth significant signing of a busy summer transfer window. He joins a talented crop of new faces at the Bernabéu, including promising center-back Dean Huijsen (reportedly from Bournemouth), versatile defensive talent Trent Alexander-Arnold (from Liverpool), and the exciting Argentine attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono (from River Plate). While the club has been active in strengthening key areas, Carreras is expected to be Real’s final acquisition for this summer, indicating a precise and targeted approach to squad building under Xabi Alonso’s new era.
Carreras’s immediate impact and consistency at Benfica, even featuring in this year’s Club World Cup (despite a red card incident against Auckland City), underscore his readiness for the elite stage. His potential inclusion means he could realistically compete for a starting left-back spot at Real Madrid immediately, offering a dynamic option for Alonso’s tactical setup.
The Left-Back Landscape: Why United Passed
For Manchester United, the decision not to activate Carreras’s buyback clause likely reflects their current strategic outlook and squad depth at the left-back position. Despite other areas of the squad undoubtedly needing reinforcement, left-back appears to be an area where United feels adequately covered. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, the ranks have already been bolstered with the January acquisition of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, followed by the recent arrival of 18-year-old prodigy Diego Leon. Furthermore, another promising 2007-born talent, Harry Amass, is poised for a potential breakthrough season, having already made fleeting senior appearances last term. Veteran Luke Shaw also remains on the books, albeit continuing his persistent battle with injuries.
While the future of Tyrell Malacia at United remains uncertain, the sheer volume of options and the emergence of youth talent mean competition for left-back minutes at Old Trafford is already intensely fierce. This contrasts sharply with Real Madrid’s needs, where Carreras’s path to regular first-team football appears clearer, offering him a significant opportunity to establish himself at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
