Real Madrid have completed the signing of Spanish left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica in a deal worth €50 million, with the 22-year-old penning a six-year contract.

Carreras returns to Madrid, where he was part of the club’s youth academy between 2017 and 2020, before moving to Manchester United.

Although he never made a senior appearance for United, he gained experience on loan at Preston North End and Granada before joining Benfica in January 2024, initially on loan.

He made the switch permanent in May 2024 for a reported £5 million. He impressed during his short stint with the Portuguese giants, scoring five goals in 68 appearances and helping them to a second-place finish in the Primeira Liga.

Benfica confirmed that Manchester United will receive 20% of any profit made on the transfer, meaning a cut of the fee above the original purchase price.

Carreras was also part of Benfica’s squad at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

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