Real Madrid have completed the signing of Spanish defender Álvaro Carreras from Benfica on a six-year contract, the La Liga club announced on Monday.
The 22-year-old left-back returns to the Santiago Bernabéu after beginning his youth career at Madrid before moving to Manchester United in 2020. According to reports in Spain, the transfer fee is close to €50 million ($58 million).
“Real Madrid and Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of Álvaro 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, scoring five goals. He initially joined the Portuguese side on loan before they completed a permanent move for €6 million in early 2024.
The Spaniard becomes Madrid’s fourth major signing of the summer, joining Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono. The club has spent an estimated €170 million so far as part of a significant squad overhaul.
Madrid’s rebuild comes after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign in which they failed to win any major trophies. That slump led to the departure of veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti, with former midfielder Xabi Alonso stepping in as head coach.
Alonso guided Madrid to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in his first test, but the team suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to eventual runners-up Paris Saint-Germain. With Carreras and other new arrivals in place, Madrid will be hoping for a stronger showing in the upcoming season.
