Alvaro Carreras transfer edges closer as Madrid agree terms

Alvaro Carreras transfer negotiations have entered their decisive stage, with Real Madrid understood to be putting the final touches on a deal that will bring the Benfica left-back back to the Spanish capital five years after he first left La Fábrica. Club sources indicate that only the fee structure and add-ons remain to be ironed out, and those talks are expected to conclude immediately after the Club World Cup.

Alvaro Carreras transfer talks reopen in Madrid

Benfica gave Madrid permission to re-engage last week, and a series of video calls between general manager José Ángel Sánchez and Benfica president Rui Costa has produced a broad agreement worth an initial €22 million. Incentives linked to appearances, domestic titles and Champions League progression could raise the package to €28 million, while the Portuguese champions have negotiated a 10 per-cent sell-on clause.

Personal terms have never been an obstacle. The player’s representatives thrashed out a five-year contract in the summer worth around €4 million net per season, and those figures have been reconfirmed. By doubling his current salary, Real Madrid are demonstrating total faith in the 21-year-old, who will compete with Ferland Mendy and Fran García for the starting berth next season.

A rapid rise through Benfica’s ranks

Carreras only arrived at Benfica B in 2020, but his mature positioning and relentless stamina persuaded then-coach Jorge Jesus to promote him to the first team within a year. Ninety senior appearances later, Benfica’s scouting department can tick off another profitable flip, following the lucrative exits of João Cancelo, Rúben Dias and Enzo Fernández.

Tactical fit for Carlo Ancelotti

The Italian coach has been clamouring for a naturally offensive full-back who can pin opponents deep without compromising defensive security. Carreras excels at overlapping runs, yet his average of 2.4 successful tackles per 90 minutes in the Primeira Liga suggests he can cope when Madrid are forced onto the back foot. Importantly, staff at Valdebebas believe the youngster’s arrival will allow Eduardo Camavinga to return permanently to midfield instead of moonlighting at left-back.

Competition inside the Bernabéu

Ferland Mendy’s injury record and Fran García’s adaptation period have led to doubts about long-term stability on the flank. The Alvaro Carreras transfer is designed to inject both youth and continuity. Madrid intend to keep all three until at least June, allowing Ancelotti to rotate through La Liga, the Copa del Rey and European commitments without overloading any single player.

What the deal means for Benfica

President Rui Costa has insisted publicly that the Lisbon club do not need to sell, yet the current squad rebuild depends on player trading. The Encarnados earmark a significant portion of the Alvaro Carreras transfer fee for a new centre-forward after Gonçalo Ramos’ summer departure. With the Portuguese giants also pushing to extend João Neves’ contract, fresh cash will help balance the budget while keeping other talents out of reach for predatory clubs.

Financial windfall and youth investment

Lisbon insiders point to at least €5 million being ring-fenced for Benfica’s academy in Seixal. The success story of Carreras serves as a marketing tool for young Iberian prospects, who now view Benfica as a genuine springboard to La Liga royalty.

When could Alvaro Carreras debut?

Madrid’s medical department have pencilled in routine tests for the defender on 22 December, the morning after the Club World Cup final in Jeddah. Should those checks proceed without incident, Carreras could be registered in time for the 3 January league clash against Mallorca. UEFA paperwork for the Champions League knockout rounds closes on 2 February, making the winter window crucial for securing eligibility.

Club World Cup timetable

• 14 December – Real Madrid travel to Saudi Arabia
• 18 December – Semi-final vs. AFC representative
• 22 December – Final or third-place play-off
• 23 December – Player lands in Madrid for medical

Past ties with the Bernabéu

Carreras joined Madrid’s academy in 2012 and rose through the age groups alongside current first-teamers Nico Paz and Lucas Cañizares. His decision to leave in 2019 was driven by a clearer pathway to senior minutes in Portugal, a strategy vindicated by his rapid ascent. Returning now, he brings not only nostalgia but a refined skill set shaped by regular top-flight football and deep European runs with Benfica.

The bigger transfer picture at Real Madrid

The Alvaro Carreras transfer is unlikely to be the club’s only piece of winter business. Madrid continue to monitor Kylian Mbappé’s contract impasse at Paris Saint-Germain and remain open to opportunistic moves for midfield depth. Nevertheless, sources insist Carreras is the priority, and budget planning has revolved around resolving the left-back slot before any marquee pursuits.

Youth policy continues to bear fruit

Under president Florentino Pérez, Madrid have blended Galáctico signings with targeted youth acquisitions. Carreras, aged 21, fits the profile of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham: players acquired before they peak, allowing coaching staff to mould talent within the club’s culture. The approach safeguards long-term competitiveness while keeping wage inflation under control.

Opinion: A shrewd reunion in the making

Reacquiring academy graduates often divides opinion, yet the Alvaro Carreras transfer feels like a low-risk, high-upside move. The fee is sensible by modern standards, his wage is sustainable, and the tactical need is obvious. At a time when elite full-backs are scarce and expensive, Madrid may have solved a lingering headache with a home-grown answer.