Real Madrid's Desired Young Left-Back: Álvaro Carreras

 

Álvaro Carreras: Real Madrid’s Targeted Young Left-Back

As Real Madrid rebuilds under incoming coach Xabi Alonso, the club has turned its attention to strengthening the left-back position. Multiple sources report that Real have “stepped up” negotiations with Benfica to secure 21-year-old left-back Álvaro Carreras before the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. ESPN has confirmed that Real have reached an agreement in principle and are closing in on the deal, while Marca and AS note that talks have resumed immediately after Benfica’s domestic cup final. According to analysts, the agreement is expected very soon, suggesting Carreras could be registered as a Real player early this summer.
Álvaro Carreras is a 21-year-old Spanish left-back who emerged from Manchester United’s youth academy before signing for Benfica last summer. In Lisbon he quickly “made a great impression” with his attacking play. Carreras is known for his dynamism down the flank and is often deployed as an attacking full-back or wing-back. Real Madrid sources describe him as a player with “offensive projection” – comfortable going forward to join attacks – and he has already featured for Spain’s youth national teams. His combination of youth, European experience and offensive instincts fits the profile Real has targeted: Fabrizio Romano notes that Carreras would be “young talent, with projection and experience,” precisely the kind of signing the club seeks.
Real’s interest in Carreras stems from a clear need at left-back. With veteran Ferland Mendy expected to depart this summer and on-loan Fran García unlikely to be reintegrated, Real have been explicitly looking to bolster that spot. Reports from Madrid’s press emphasize that “the team is looking to strengthen the left-back position,” given the probable exit of García and Mendy. Indeed, Spanish outlets confirm that Real’s sporting management made Carreras their priority for the left side. Alonso is understood to have requested an offensive full-back to complement his tactical system, and Carreras fits the bill: a left-footer with pace, crossing ability and technical skill.

Transfer Negotiations and Reported Fee

Negotiations for Carreras have advanced rapidly. Fabrizio Romano reports that the deal is “at its final stages” and that Carreras has already agreed personal terms. According to Romano, an official announcement “should be imminent,” indicating all major hurdles have been cleared. Real sources have been working to avoid meeting Benfica’s full €50 million release clause, as the club is pushing for concessions on the fee. Both Managing Madrid and Fichajes note that Real are seeking to lower the cost via staggered payments or player swaps. Benfica’s initial asking price is €50 million, but Madrid are reportedly offering to pay in installments and could even include players in the transaction to sweeten the deal.
One report suggests Benfica asked if Fran García and midfielder Dani Ceballos could be added to any deal for Carreras. However, Real appears reluctant to part with either player: club officials value García and are keen to keep Ceballos (whose preference is a move back to Betis) rather than use them as makeweights. In practice, Real seems determined to finalize Carreras on favorable terms. As one insider put it, the “operation is very advanced” and only formalities remain.

Sources, Quotes and Club Comments

Key media and insiders have been tracking the Carreras saga closely. ESPN’s report cited “multiple sources” confirming that Real have accelerated the talks. Romano, the respected transfer journalist, has issued several updates via social media: he tweeted that Carreras “could also play his last match with Benfica today,” and emphasized that the player’s “total focus [is] on the final… then Real Madrid’s official offer will come.” In other words, Carreras is determined to see out Benfica’s campaign before departing. Romano also told fans that only the final paperwork and registration remain, underscoring that all sides expect the move to happen imminently. Sports Illustrated’s transfer column, summarizing Romano’s information, echoed these points: “the deal… is at its final stages,” and Carreras is on the brink of joining Los Blancos.
On X (formerly Twitter), news outlet El Chiringuito relayed by journalist Josep Pedrerol reported that Real have agreed to pay “around €5 million” to Liverpool in order to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early release for the Club World Cup. Although this involves a different player, the mention of €5 million underscores Real’s willingness to make additional payments to align squad availability with their objectives. (That same report noted that Carreras is “very, very close” to signing for Real.) Collectively, these reports – from ESPN, Marca/AS, Romano, and Spanish TV – portray a consensus: Carreras to Real is all but done, pending final signatures.

Tactical Fit and Squad Impact

Carreras’s arrival would reinforce Real’s evolving tactical setup. He would join a back line that, under Alonso, is expected to value ball-playing defenders and full-backs who contribute offensively. In that sense, Carreras’s style aligns with what Real looks for. The club views him as an investment who can contribute immediately while developing into a long-term starter. This mirrors Real’s recent transfer strategy of signing young players with upside (similar to last year’s marquee signing of Jude Bellingham).
For the current squad, the implications are clear. Ferland Mendy, often hampered by injuries and facing an uncertain future, would likely be the first casualty if Carreras signs. Loaned Fran García, who has spent two seasons away at Rayo Vallecano, may not be needed either; he could return to Rayo or move elsewhere. Veteran left-backs at other clubs (such as Marcelo, now retired) have already left the scene, so Carreras would emerge as the primary left-side option. Real’s interest also suggests they intend to keep new signing Nacho Fernández at center-back rather than converting him to the left, as some had speculated.
On the right side, there is no direct impact: Dani Carvajal remains the first-choice right-back. (Meanwhile, the high-profile rumor linking Carvajal with a move to Barcelona appears to have subsided.) If Alexander-Arnold were to join, Carvajal’s future would become a talking point. But even just focusing on the left, Real would have two young options (Carreras and García) to cover one position, which could pressure one of them out. Ceballos, though not a left-back, could see his own playing time further reduced by these moves, reinforcing that Real’s transfer push is designed to refresh the squad.

Expected Timeline

With formalities in the final stages, most observers expect Carreras’s transfer to conclude within days to weeks. ESPN reports that “all that remains is for the lawyers to give the final go-ahead,” implying Real and Benfica have agreed on principal terms. Spanish media say Real will “intensify negotiations” immediately after the Portuguese Cup final and have Carreras registered “as soon as possible.” Managing Madrid notes that “an agreement is likely to be reached within days.” In practical terms, the clubs are working to wrap up the deal before June’s official window opens, so Carreras can train with Madrid’s squad ahead of the World Cup tournament later this year.
In summary, recent reports paint a picture of a nearly completed transfer. Carreras’s move to Real Madrid is portrayed as imminent by multiple sources. Barring any last-minute complications, the arrival of Álvaro Carreras appears set to be one of Real’s first major signings of the summer, solving a critical positional need and underscoring the club’s strategy of targeting young, high-potential players.