Topics: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Transfer News, Football, Xabi Alonso, Benfica, Champions League
A former Manchester United player has reportedly agreed terms with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will likely look to bolster their options after a trophy-less season in 2024/25. Current head coach Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club to join Brazil, with Xabi Alonso mooted as his likely successor at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alonso, 43, will, no doubt, look to bolster Los Blancos’ squad with Real having already agreed a five-year deal with Bournemouth to sign centre-back Dean Huijsen.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will become a free agent in July, has also been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital.
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Last week, Spanish outlet Relevo reported that Alonso had ‘personally requested’ that Madrid bring in a former Manchester United player, who left the Red Devils in 2024.
Alvaro Carreras joined United’s academy from Real Madrid’s youth set-up in 2020 but struggled for opportunities at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old Spaniard was loaned to Preston, Granada and Benfica before penning a permanent deal at the Lisbon club in the summer of 2024.
Carreras has gone from strength to strength at Benfica, having produced four goals and five assists in 49 appearances this term as well as boasting experience in the Champions League.
The left-back, who is contracted to Benfica until the summer of 2029, has a reported buy-back clause worth £15m, which would allow United to sign him at a reduced fee.
Other clubs have to pay around £42.1m to trigger the defender’s release clause.
On Tuesday (May 20), journalist Fabrizio Romano issued an update on the player’s future.
“Alvaro Carreras wants to join Real Madrid and his plan has not changed," said Romano.
"No bid or club to club talks yet but understand Real will approach Benfica after Taça de Portugal final to reach an agreement. Carreras has already agreed terms with Real."
As reported by The Athletic, "The 22-year-old is keen on a move to Madrid, but will communicate his decision following the Portuguese Cup final against Sporting CP on Sunday. Talks between the club and player are expected to speed up following Sunday’s game, which marks the end of Benfica’s season".
