Manchester United will pocket a significant bonus after Real Madrid completed the long-awaited €50 million (£42m/$57m) signing of Alvaro Carreras.
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Madrid sign Carreras from Benfica for €50mDeal includes six-year contract until 2031Man Utd to receive 20 per cent of capital gainsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spanish left-back, who initially joined the Eagles on loan from Manchester United in January 2024, completed the summer switch this week, signing a contract with Los Blancos until 2031.
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Benfica have since confirmed the financial terms to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission, revealing that Madrid will retain the five per cent solidarity contribution, while the Red Devils are entitled to 20% of the capital gain, after deducting acquisition costs and the solidarity fee. Carreras’ move marks a significant development in Madrid’s long-term defensive planning. With Ferland Mendy’s future still uncertain and Fran Garcia yet to cement his place, the club are banking on Carreras’ versatility. For Benfica, it’s a remarkable financial win, having initially loaned the player and later triggering a permanent deal before flipping him for a substantial profit.
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Carreras joined United from Madrid in 2020 but was loaned to Preston in 2023 before a temporary move to Granada. Benfica snapped him up on loan in 2024 before signing him on a permanent basis last summer. The Spaniard played 68 matches for Benfica across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing five assists during his time in Portugal. His first goal for the club came against Farense in April 2024.
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Carreras will be presented at Real Madrid City on Tuesday, where president Florentino Perez will officially welcome him before a press conference. The full-back will link up with the squad for pre-season under new coach Xabi Alonso, who sees the Spaniard as part of the club’s next generation.
