Alvaro Carreras transfer: big payday for Manchester United as Real Madrid agree massive deal | OneFootball

Former Manchester United full-back Álvaro Carreras is set to join Real Madrid, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Fresh from their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup, Los Blancos have made a breakthrough in negotiations for Carreras.

The left-back area was a major cause of concern for Real during the whole of last season, owing to Ferland Mendy’s persistent fitness problems. Meanwhile, his understudy, Fran García, failed to inspire confidence with a number of defensive errors.

The Spaniard was an underwhelming presence on the left flank against PSG in the semi-final on Wednesday as well.

Real Madrid admire Álvaro Carreras

Carreras has been on Real’s radar since the start of the summer on the back of an impressive campaign at Benfica.

The Spain U21 moved to Portugal on an initial loan deal from United in January of 2024, as the then-United manager Erik ten Hag did not see Carreras as part of his first-team plans.

Carreras quickly found his feet at Benfica, who signed him permanently last summer for a €6 million fee.

The 22-year-old’s attacking intent and passing have made him one of Real’s priority targets for the wing-back role under Xabi Alonso.

According to the Italian journalist, Real have agreed to pay €50m in multiple installments to Benfica instead of triggering his release clause.

Manchester United to benefit from Carreras’ Real transfer

The verbal agreement is in place between the two clubs and Carreras will travel to the Spanish capital once United confirm they will not activate the buy-back clause in his contract.

United have no intention of bringing their academy product back to Old Trafford. However, this development should still grab their attention.

It is understood the Red Devils hold a 20% sell-on clause on any future deal exceeding the €6m Benfica paid. As such, the agreement between Real and the Portuguese outfit should see United bag around €9m.

Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social