Real Madrid has secured its fourth summer signing after arduous negotiations that lasted more than two months, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Real Madrid will sign Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras, who returns to the Santiago Bernabéu after coming through the youth ranks and joining Manchester United in 2020.
Since the arrival of Xabi Alonso, Carreras has become Real Madrid’s primary obsession, seeking to bolster their left flank with a modern full-back. However, Benfica insisted on receiving the full €50 million, the release clause in the player’s contract with the Portuguese club.
Real Madrid refused to pay this huge amount, before the two parties reached a settlement, according to Romano, whereby the club would pay a fixed sum, reportedly between €35 and €45 million, in addition to selling young player Rafael Obrador to the Portuguese giants.
Obrador has agreed to a move to Benfica, and it is believed his contract will include a buy-back clause or a percentage of the resale value, as is typical of Real Madrid when they release their young players.
Carreras will be Real Madrid’s fourth summer signing, following the €58 million signing of Dejan Huijsen from Bournemouth and €10 million signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, and Franco Mastrantuono from River Plate.
With the arrival of the 22-year-old, it’s certain that one of the two players, Ferland Mendy or Fran Garcia, will leave this summer. The French international is likely to be the victim due to his frequent injuries and his unsuitability for Alonso’s attacking style of play.
