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.
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid > Brazil National Team)
Effective May 26, 2025
Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will take over as Brazil’s national team manager.
Ancelotti leaves after a decorated six-season spell, winning 15 major titles including three Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles. Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed him.
Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
June 2025 (post-Club World Cup)
Real Madrid icon Luka Modrić will depart the club this summer following the Club World Cup in the U.S. He leaves as the most decorated player in Madrid history with 28 trophies over 13 seasons.
Modrić, 39, confirmed his decision in an emotional message, stating Saturday’s LaLiga finale will be his last at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite reduced minutes, he played 34 league games this season. He’ll exit having won six Champions Leagues and the 2018 Ballon d’Or. Madrid president Florentino Pérez hailed him as a “unique and exemplary footballer.”
All 20 Football Associations of Club World Cup teams
June 1–10, 2025
A special transfer window will open for all 20 Football Associations involved in the 32-team Club World Cup, allowing clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea to buy and sell players during that period.
The window, agreed to by participating nations, is designed to facilitate squad changes ahead of the tournament. Deals like Dean Huijsen’s £50m move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid are already being finalized under this provision.
Nico Paz (Como)
May 2025
Madrid are preparing to activate an €8m buyback clause for midfielder Nico Paz before the July 15 deadline.
Paz, 20, impressed this season with 6 goals and 8 assists in 34 matches. The clause was part of his 2024 sale to Como.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth > Real Madrid)
May 2025
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola believes Dean Huijsen is ready to succeed at Real Madrid after the 20-year-old’s £50m move was confirmed ahead of the Club World Cup.
Iraola praised Huijsen’s maturity and talent, saying he expects the young defender to thrive despite the high competition at Real. The centre-back joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12.8m last summer.
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.
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
May 2025
Carlo Ancelotti defended Real Madrid’s transfer strategy amid a trophyless season, highlighting injuries to key defenders as the major factor. He expressed full support for the club’s ongoing rebuild, which includes deals for Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carreras.
Ancelotti ruled out regrets over January inaction, instead citing long-term absences of Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, and others. With Ancelotti set to leave for Brazil, Xabi Alonso is expected to lead the new-look side at the Club World Cup.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
May 2025
Dean Huijsen has completed his medical and agreed personal terms with Real Madrid ahead of a £50m transfer from Bournemouth, with a five-year deal in place.
The fee will be paid in three instalments over two years. Huijsen will feature in Bournemouth’s final two games before joining Madrid for the Club World Cup in the US next month.
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.
