Madrid Announces New First Team Recruitment
Real Madrid has officially confirmed the signing of left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica, following the activation of a €50 million release clause. The 22-year-old defender has put pen to paper on a six-year contract, committing his future to the Spanish giants until June 2031 [1][2][4].
Carreras, who spent three years at Real Madrid's academy La Fabrica, returns to the club after spells at Manchester United and Benfica. During his time with Benfica, he made 68 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals, and helped the team win the Portuguese League Cup last season [1][2].
This signing marks Real Madrid's fourth summer acquisition and their third defensive reinforcement, following the arrivals of Dean Huijsen (center-back) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (right-back) [1][2].
**Impact on Real Madrid’s Defense**
Carreras is expected to challenge for the starting left-back spot, a position that has been a concern for Real Madrid due to injuries and inconsistency. Current left-back Ferland Mendy has struggled with injuries, while Fran García has been inconsistent against top European opposition [1][2].
With the signings of Carreras, Huijsen, and Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid is demonstrating a clear focus on strengthening its defense after a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that saw the club finish as La Liga runners-up, lose the Copa del Rey final, and exit early from the Champions League [2].
The pressure will be on Carreras to quickly adapt and impress new manager Xabi Alonso, with the starting position at left-back considered up for grabs [1]. The six-year contract reflects Real Madrid’s intention to secure a long-term solution at left-back, aiming for stability and youth in the squad [1][4].
**Background**
After leaving Real Madrid, Alvaro Carreras joined Premier League giant Manchester United. He then moved to Benfica, where he was voted the club's best U23 player in the 2021/2022 season before his departure [3].
The transfer fee for Carreras is reported to be €50 million, making him Real Madrid's third big-name signing of the summer [1]. Carreras' presentation at Real Madrid will take place at the club's HQ at 13.00 local time on Tuesday afternoon [2].
This transfer signifies a strategic move by Real Madrid to bolster their defensive options, providing depth and competition in a position that has lacked reliability in recent seasons [1][2][4]. Florentino Pérez's commitment to improving Real Madrid's defense is evident in this signing, as the club looks to bounce back from a less-than-stellar 2024–25 campaign.
[1] Marca [2] AS [3] Manchester Evening News [4] Benfica Official Website
In football, Alvaro Carreras, previously of Manchester United and Benfica, returns to Real Madrid after a €50 million transfer, aiming to solidify the left-back position following injuries and inconsistency of Ferland Mendy and Fran García. This signing marks the club's fourth summer acquisition and their third defensive reinforcement, demonstrating a focus on strengthening Real Madrid's defense under new manager Xabi Alonso.
With Carreras' arrival, Real Madrid shows their intention to secure a long-term solution at left-back, with the starting position considered up for grabs, as the club looks to improve upon their disappointing 2024–25 campaign that saw them finish as La Liga runners-up and exit early from the Champions League.
