Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
Summer 2025, ahead of Club World Cup
Real Madrid are closing in on signing Álvaro Carreras from Benfica, aiming to include him in their squad for next month’s Club World Cup in the U.S.
Madrid are ready to activate the 22-year-old left-back’s €50m release clause. Carreras, a former Real academy product, is keen to return after leaving for Manchester United in 2020 and later joining Benfica.
Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
May 2025
Real Madrid are nearing a deal for Álvaro Carreras, with the former Manchester United defender set to join for €30m–€50m.
A clause allowing United to re-sign him for €20m expired in January. Madrid moved swiftly, identifying Carreras as a key target to reinforce the left-back position.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
Summer 2025, before the Club World Cup
Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50m and are also finalizing a deal for Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for €60m. Huijsen has agreed to a five-year contract, while Carreras is set for six years.
Madrid triggered Huijsen’s release clause after quickly securing his commitment post-Barcelona loss. Attempts to include players were rejected by Bournemouth. Talks for Carreras accelerated due to his strong links with manager-in-waiting Xabi Alonso, who values the ex-United full-back highly.
Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
May 2025 (Ongoing Transfer Discussions)
Real Madrid hope Manchester United activate Álvaro Carreras’ €18m buy-back clause from Benfica, allowing Madrid to then buy him for €30–35m—avoiding Benfica’s €60m asking price.
Carreras, who left United for Benfica in 2024 and has excelled in the Portuguese league and Champions League, is a former Real Madrid youth player. Madrid see a potential reunion but aim to bypass Benfica’s premium valuation.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), João Félix (Chelsea)
April 2025
Benfica are targeting summer returns for academy graduates Bernardo Silva (Man City) and João Félix (Chelsea, on loan at AC Milan).
Silva, under contract until 2026, has a €50M release clause that Benfica hope to negotiate down. Félix has underperformed on loan at Milan, and Benfica aim to secure him ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)
Summer 2025
Benfica striker Pavlidis is being tracked by Chelsea, Newcastle, and top La Liga clubs after notching 24 goals and 10 assists this season.
The Greek forward’s €100m release clause might not hold back a deal. Benfica are expected to negotiate a lower fee with several clubs circling.