Real Madrid Signs Left-Back Álvaro Carreras for €50 Million

Real Madrid has secured the signing of Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica on a six-year contract running until 2031, paying the full €50 million release clause in installments. Carreras, a product of Real Madrid's youth academy who previously played for Manchester United's U-23 team and Benfica, joins as the club's fourth summer signing alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono, reflecting a strategic focus on defensive reinforcements. Despite initial resistance from Benfica and inclusion in their Club World Cup squad, Real Madrid persisted and finalized the deal, with Manchester United set to receive a portion of the fee due to a sell-on clause. Carreras' arrival creates competition among the left-back options, putting the futures of Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy in question, with Garcia reportedly attracting interest from AC Milan. The signing follows a period of rebuilding under new coach Xabi Alonso after Carlo Ancelotti's departure, with Madrid aiming to strengthen a defensive line that has suffered from injuries in recent seasons. Carreras will be officially presented at Real Madrid's Ciudad Real Madrid training complex with club president Florentino Pérez, followed by his first press conference as a Madrid player.