Manchester United set to pocket 20% of capital gain on the transfer fee
Real Madrid have completed the signing of left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in a deal worth €50m.
Carreras left Madrid’s academy and signed for Manchester United in 2020. After limited opportunities in England under Erik ten Hag, the youngster left for Benfica in 2024 following a series of loan spells.
The 22-year-old has signed a six-year contract at Madrid and becomes the club’s latest reinforcement in a summer marked by defensive overhaul. He joins Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, signed from Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively.
“This is the happiest day of my life,” Carreras said at his unveiling on Tuesday. “I left Madrid as a boy and I return as a man. I’m proud to wear this shirt again. This is one of the best clubs in the world.
“This is home and it means everything to me to return here. I’m living a dream and I can’t wait to get this challenge started. I close one door and open a gigantic one.”
Madrid were keen on signing a new left-back this summer. Ferland Mendy continues to struggle for consistent fitness and Fran Garcia has been unable to fully convince. Carreras emerged as the club’s top choice following a standout campaign in Portugal.
Manchester United have a clause in the contract they signed with Benfica that says the club will receive up to 20% of capital gain in his transfer free. This means that the Premier League side could pocket some cash in the range of €8-9m from the €50m fee.
