It has taken more time than desired, but Real Madrid has managed to close the deal in the most effective way possible. After more than a month negotiating with Benfica, the transfer of Álvaro Carreras has finally been completed, and he will arrive in the capital of Spain in the next few hours. The full-back has been key to unlocking this move, having made it clear to the Portuguese that he only saw himself playing for Madrid.
Reserved medical examination
Fabrizio Romano has revealed on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, that Álvaro Carreras "can already be considered a new Real Madrid player". Everything has been agreed and finalized between all parties, with the Spaniard traveling to Spain today to undergo his medical examination and sign his contract.
Florentino Pérez has tried to move quickly after returning from the United States, speeding up the entire operation. For several days now, he has arranged Carreras's medical examination at the trusted clinic so that everything proceeds as quickly as possible.
€50 million ($54.4 million) for Álvaro Carreras
After this entire negotiation process, Real Madrid will end up paying the €50 million ($54.4 million) release clause for Álvaro Carreras. However, instead of a single payment as Benfica requested, it will be in several installments. This condition has finally unlocked everything, with Xabi Alonso giving the green light to the move.
Another key factor has been Manchester United's confirmation that they will not exercise their buy-back clause. The Real Madrid academy graduate left for Old Trafford to continue developing. From there, he moved to Benfica, with the English club reserving the right to bring him back for a fixed price.
Nevertheless, United has not wanted to get involved in the deal and has given Madrid and Benfica complete freedom to negotiate.
Xabi Alonso already has his full-back
For Xabi Alonso, Carreras's arrival is excellent news. The coach needed to strengthen that area of the field, and now he will have a footballer who fits perfectly into his play style.
Carreras is fast, technical, with an attacking mindset but also solid in defense. He has room for improvement, but also enough experience to perform from day one. Real Madrid is once again betting on young talent. On players who not only provide immediate results, but can also grow within the club.