Real Madrid finalising Álvaro Carreras transfer: Defensive rebuild to be completed ahead of Club World Cup

Madrid continue their aggressive summer rebuild

Real Madrid are in the midst of a full-scale defensive rebuild ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold already secured, focus has now shifted to Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Los Blancos have agreed to pay the 22-year-old’s €50 million release clause, and the deal is now on the verge of being finalised.

Injuries, inconsistency and a need for change

Last season was marked by defensive fragilities for Real Madrid. Ferland Mendy's recurring injuries, David Alaba’s loss of form and his own fitness problems, along with a lack of rotation options, caused significant setbacks in both domestic and European competitions. Following the arrival of head coach Xabi Alonso, the club decided to reshape their backline with younger, more athletic, and technically capable players. Carreras is expected to be the final piece of this transformation following the additions of Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold.

A complete profile of the modern full-back

Álvaro Carreras is a player who fits the profile of the modern full-back, one of the most sought-after roles in today’s game. Standing at 186 cm, the Spanish defender impresses not only with his physicality but also with his athleticism. He is capable of covering the entire left flank effectively, frequently reaching the byline and delivering quality crosses. His technical ability is of a high standard, which makes him both a passing outlet and a threat from wide areas during attacking sequences. He links well with teammates, opens passing lanes, and contributes to structured build-up play.

Reliable in defence as well

Defensively, Carreras is just as solid. He is a dependable presence in aerial duels. When opponents break forward, he uses his speed to recover quickly and can make crucial interventions over long distances. This versatility makes Carreras not just a valuable option at club level, but also a strong potential candidate for the Spanish national team.

From A Coruña to Madrid: A well-travelled journey

Carreras has followed a well-rounded footballing journey. He began in the youth academy of Deportivo La Coruña and transferred to Real Madrid’s youth setup in July 2017. Ahead of the 2020–2021 season, he joined Manchester United’s U23 team on a free transfer. After two years playing at that level in England, United sent him on loan to Championship side Preston North End during the 2022 summer transfer window. He featured in 42 matches there, registering 6 assists, and took his first steps into professional football.

Benfica saw what others didn’t

Despite this strong performance, Carreras did not manage to establish himself at Manchester United. He was loaned out again, this time to La Liga club Granada, where he made 14 official appearances in half a season. Then came Benfica. The Portuguese club brought Carreras in on loan in January 2024, and after a highly effective run of performances, they made the deal permanent in the summer of 2024, paying a €6 million transfer fee.

Breakthrough season in Portugal

During the 2024/25 season, Carreras played a total of 50 official matches for Benfica and played a vital role in the club’s second-place finish in the league and their journey to the Taça de Portugal final. He consistently performed at a high level on both ends of the pitch and proved himself in European football.

Why Alonso wanted Carreras

One of the reasons Real Madrid have pursued this transfer is Carreras’ tactical compatibility with Xabi Alonso’s game model. The structure Alonso plans to implement at Real Madrid is based on an approach that expands from the centre towards the flanks. In this system, the left-back is not just a defensive figure, but also the starting point of possession play. During Alonso’s time at Bayer Leverkusen, his 3-4-2-1 system relied on wing-backs and wide centre-backs initiating the build-up centrally and playing a key role in transitions. This technical context supports the logic behind the transfer.

Carreras’ passing ability, ball-carrying skills, and game intelligence make him a natural fit for this role. Mendy’s long-term injury and Fran García’s struggles with form make it almost certain that Carreras will establish himself in the starting eleven in a short time.

A debut on the world stage

If the deal is completed in time, Carreras will begin his Real Madrid career on the global stage. The Club World Cup will not only be a major milestone for the young player but also a stress test for Real Madrid’s rebuilt defence. Alongside Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold, Carreras will be part of a brand-new defensive unit aiming to anchor the team for years to come.