Carreras will sign a 6-year contract with Real Madrid and be presented at the Valdebebas training ground, outside Madrid, at 1 p.m. today, 15/7, local time.
This is Real Madrid's third signing this summer, all aimed at bolstering their defense. The club previously spent USD 60 million to acquire center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and USD 11 million for right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool a month earlier.
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Real Madrid announced Carreras' signing on social media late on 14/7. Photo: Real Madrid |
Real Madrid announced Carreras' signing on social media late on 14/7. Photo: Real Madrid
The 22-year-old Spanish player, Carreras, is expected to revitalize the left-back position. This was a weak point for Real Madrid last season due to Ferland Mendy's frequent injuries and Fran Garcia's inconsistency.
Born in 2002, Carreras played for Real Madrid's youth teams from 2017 to 2020. Unable to break into the first team, he joined Manchester United on a free transfer. In England, he mainly played for the reserve team and was loaned to Preston North End and Granada to gain experience. From 1/2024, Carreras joined Benfica, initially on loan, before a permanent transfer in June of the same year.
During his year and a half at Benfica, he made significant progress, thanks to his strong physique, tactical awareness, versatility, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
According to Marca, a full-back like Carreras fits the philosophy of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's new coach, who prefers a five-defender formation with attacking wing-backs. Fran Garcia performed well on the left wing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but Carreras is expected to provide competition and add depth to the position.
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Carreras (right) blocks a shot during Benfica's 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors in Group C of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, on 17/6. Photo: AP |
Carreras (right) blocks a shot during Benfica's 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors in Group C of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, on 17/6. Photo: AP
A clause in his 2024 contract with Benfica gave Manchester United the option to buy back Carreras for USD 19 million, but they didn't exercise this right. Real Madrid then entered the picture and agreed to pay the USD 58.34 million fee demanded by the Portuguese club.
Before heading to Madrid, Carreras expressed his gratitude to Benfica on social media. The 22-year-old described the Da Luz stadium as his home for the past year and a half, which helped him grow both professionally and personally. "The decision to leave wasn't easy, but I want to continue pursuing my dreams, knowing that I've given my all for this sacred jersey. Thank you for everything," Carreras added.
Nhat Tao
