Real Madrid open talks to sign Benfica defender Alvaro Carreras after wrapping up Dean Huijsen deal at new boss Xabi Alonso's request

As Real Madrid prepare for life under their incoming coach, Alonso, they are looking to reinforce the squad ahead of his arrival. Having verbally secured a deal for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, their next target has emerged. According to Relevo’s Rodra, Madrid have opened talks with Portuguese club Benfica for left-back Alvaro Carreras at the request of Xabi Alonso.

A native of Ferrol, Carreras spent five years at the Racing de Ferrol academy before moving on to the Deportivo de La Coruña academy. It was at Deportivo that he was converted into a left-back. In 2017, at the age of 14, he left Deportivo and joined the Real Madrid academy before signing for the Manchester United academy in 2020. At United, he was promoted to the senior squad but never made a single appearance. He was loaned to Benfica in 2023 before they made his move permanent in 2024 for €6 million.

Carreras had his breakthrough season at Benfica in 2024/25, where he has played 42 games so far, scoring four goals and assisting another four.

According to Opta Alvaro Carreras has completed 197 progressive passes this season, making him the 3rd highest player in the Primeira Liga to do this season.

With Benfica and Sporting Lisbon locked on points, Carreras travels away to Braga knowing that a win is the bare minimum, as their title hopes will depend on Sporting’s result. Meanwhile, Madrid defeated Mallorca yesterday and now await the result of Barcelona’s derby with Espanyol, knowing a Barcelona win would mathematically secure the La Liga title for the Catalan side.