Real Madrid has announced the signing of Spanish left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica on a six-year contract, in a deal reportedly worth close to €50 million. The 22-year-old returns to Los Blancos after previously rising through the club’s youth system before departing for Manchester United in 2020.

In an official statement on Monday, the club confirmed that Carreras will remain at the Santiago Bernabéu until June 30, 2031. The defender had a standout spell at Benfica, making 62 appearances and scoring five goals. Initially joining on loan, he was permanently signed from Manchester United in early 2024 for €6 million.

Carreras becomes the fourth addition to Real Madrid’s summer overhaul, joining Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono in a transfer window that has already cost the club approximately €170 million.

This strategic rebuild follows a disappointing 2024–25 campaign where Madrid failed to win a major trophy. Former head coach Carlo Ancelotti stepped down, paving the way for Xabi Alonso’s appointment. Despite a brief run to the Club World Cup semi-finals, Madrid suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, underlining the urgency of the club’s revamp.

Carreras is expected to play a key role in Madrid’s bid to restore its dominance in both domestic and European football under Alonso’s leadership.