Real Madrid Signs Álvaro Carreras for €50M, Assigns No.18 Shirt

Real Madrid has officially signed Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for €50 million, marking a significant defensive reinforcement under coach Xabi Alonso. Carreras, who trained at Real Madrid's academy before stints at Manchester United and Benfica, returns with a six-year contract and has been assigned the number 18 jersey, a number not traditionally linked to left-backs at the club. Despite competition from Ferland Mendy and Fran García, Carreras is determined to secure playing time and contribute both defensively and offensively within Madrid's system, which features three central defenders and two wing-backs. At 22, Carreras expressed his pride in returning to his childhood club and emphasized his readiness to play wherever needed, showing maturity and ambition after gaining valuable experience abroad. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez praised Carreras as one of Europe's top defenders, highlighting his potential impact in addressing the team's defensive challenges. This signing complements other defensive additions such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, signaling a strategic overhaul of Real Madrid's backline.