Real Madrid hatch plot with Manchester United to resolve left-back dilemma

Real Madrid is actively pursuing a new left-back this summer, and their top target is Álvaro Carreras, the 22-year-old standout from Benfica and former youth player who spent three years at La Fábrica.

According to reports, Madrid has been plotting a strategy for several weeks to navigate Benfica’s notoriously tough negotiations. The Portuguese club has set a €60 million ($68 million) price tag on Carreras—way beyond what Madrid is willing to pay. However, Los Blancos have devised a creative workaround: leveraging Manchester United’s buy-back clause to secure the player at a lower cost.

Madrid to trigger buy-back clause in Carreras’ contract

Carreras originally joined Benfica from United last summer for €6 million, but the English club retained an €18 million buy-back option. Madrid is now working with United to activate the clause, allowing them to acquire Carreras for a reduced fee—potentially around €30-35 million instead of the full €60 million.

The young left-back has been a revelation this season, delivering four goals and five assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. His performances in the Champions League against Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have caught the attention of top clubs, including Atlético, who are also in the market for a left-back.

Madrid looking threadbare at the back

Madrid’s interest in Carreras comes after their failed pursuit of Alphonso Davies, who renewed his contract with Bayern Munich. With Ferland Mendy and David Alaba struggling with injuries, Los Blancos are eager to strengthen their defensive options asap.

The key to the operation lies in Manchester United’s buy-back clause, which was included when Benfica signed Carreras for €6 million back in July. The clause allows United to reacquire the left-back for just €18 million, a significantly lower figure than Benfica’s €60 million valuation.

Madrid’s plan is to convince United to activate the clause, bringing Carreras back to Old Trafford temporarily. The Red Devils would then immediately sell him to Madrid for a fee between €30-35 million, allowing Los Blancos to bypass Benfica’s tough negotiations and secure the player at a much lower cost.

This arrangement benefits both clubs: Madrid gets their target without paying Benfica’s steep asking price, while United earns a reasonable profit from a player they no longer need.

Álvaro Carreras’ stock is rising fast

Despite having just 77 top-flight appearances under his belt—14 with Granada in LaLiga during the 2023-24 season and the rest with Benfica in Portugal—he has already made a name for himself as one of the most exciting left-backs in European football. His performances in the Champions League, where he has featured 10 times, have particularly impressed Real Madrid, who value his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Madrid is also well-acquainted with Carreras, both on and off the pitch. In fact, back in 2017, Los Blancos beat Barcelona to his signature when they signed him from Deportivo’s academy. He spent three years in Madrid’s youth categories. His familiarity with the club’s philosophy and playing style makes him an even more attractive prospect.

Álvaro Carreras’ journey to stardom shaped by bold decisions

In the summer of 2020, the young left-back faced a pivotal choice: renew his contract with Real Madrid and continue developing at La Fábrica, where he played for the Under-18s, or take a leap of faith and join Manchester United. With competition ahead of him at Madrid—Miguel Gutiérrez and Fran García occupying the left-back role—Carreras opted for England, signing a four-year professional contract with United.

In February 2023, he explained his decision in an interview, stating: “I wanted to grow as a footballer, and United presented an incredible long-term project that allowed me to start immediately with the reserve team. I wanted to play with adults.” His ambition paid off quickly—he was named United’s Under-23 Player of the Year and earned a loan move to Preston North End in the English Championship, where he gained valuable experience.

Although he never made his senior debut for United, he came close under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. His steady progression caught the attention of Juni Calafat and Real Madrid’s scouting team, who have been closely tracking his development. Now, Madrid sees him as a perfect fit for their future plans.

Real Madrid’s left-back dilemma has reached a breaking point

The club initially put its search for a new left-back on hold after failing to sign Alphonso Davies, but Ferland Mendy’s ongoing injury struggles have made reinforcements a priority. The French defender, who recently signed an extension until 2028, suffered a three-month injury just eight minutes into his return from a previous setback. With his fitness issues piling up, Madrid has accepted the reality: Mendy can no longer be relied upon as a consistent starter.

As a result, the club is urgently exploring alternatives. While Miguel Gutiérrez was once seen as a potential solution, his disappointing season at Girona has raised doubts within Madrid’s leadership. Carlo Ancelotti did not advocate for his return, and instead, the club views him as a potential transfer asset, given that Madrid still holds 60% of his rights.

Meanwhile, Álvaro Carreras has emerged as the preferred option. Ironically, Carreras was once blocked by Gutiérrez in Madrid’s youth ranks, but now, he has surpassed him in the club’s hierarchy. With Carreras impressing at Benfica.

The club is determined to avoid direct negotiations with Benfica, a club with a reputation for driving hard bargains under Rui Costa’s leadership. Recent sales by Benfica highlight their aggressive stance—Enzo Fernández to Chelsea for €121 million, Gonçalo Ramos and João Neves to PSG for €125 million, and Darwin Núñez to Liverpool for €85 million. Madrid is keen on securing Carreras, but not at any price.

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