Carreras €50 million, Benfica to Real Madrid, Los Blancos left-back signing
Meta Description: Alvaro Carreras returns to Real Madrid in a €50 million transfer from Benfica. The 22-year-old full-back reflects on fulfilling his childhood dream and shrugs off the pressure of a hefty transfer fee.
Alvaro Carreras has spoken of his excitement after completing a €50 million transfer from Benfica to Real Madrid, marking a significant return to the club where he spent much of his youth.
The 22-year-old full-back signed a six-year contract with Los Blancos, becoming the club’s second-most expensive defender. He was unveiled by the club on Tuesday, where he reflected on the meaning of this move and his journey from youth academy to first-team football.
Carreras first joined Real Madrid’s youth setup in 2017, where he spent three years before a move to Manchester United. In 2024, he was signed by Benfica on a long-term deal, where his performances, including a standout showing at the Club World Cup, attracted Real Madrid’s attention. Los Blancos had even considered triggering a buy-back clause with United, but opted for a higher transfer fee with Benfica.
Speaking at his unveiling, Carreras expressed his excitement about returning to Madrid, stating:
“Everything, fulfilling a dream, coming home. I’m eager to take on the challenge and get started. I’m living a dream. I left as a child and I return as a man. My mother was thrilled, and that’s normal.”
He also dismissed any pressure related to his hefty transfer fee, saying:
“I don’t care about that. I’m confident in who I am and what I can give. I don’t get involved in numbers.”
Carreras will join Real Madrid’s pre-season camp on July 31 and undergo medical examinations ahead of the start of the club’s training on August 1.
