Manchester United Strikes Gold as Alvaro Carreras Seals Mega-Money Move to Real Madrid

Manchester United's summer transfer budget is expected to receive a significant boost following Real Madrid's decision to bring back their former youth player Álvaro Carreras.

The Benfica defender has been consistently rumored for a Madrid return, though United were also said to be considering bringing him back. The 22-year-old has established himself in Portugal over the past 18 months after initially arriving on a temporary deal.

Carreras has experienced a remarkable ascent, and the Spanish player is anticipated to battle with Ferland Mendy and Fran García for playing time on Xabi Alonso's left side in upcoming seasons.

United's choice to sell Carreras for just £5 million ($6.7 million) has become another in a series of questionable transfer decisions made by the Red Devils recently. Nevertheless, his expensive return to Madrid ensures they will benefit financially.

How Much Money Man Utd Get From Alvaro Carreras's Move to Real Madrid

United brought Carreras from Madrid in 2020, though the versatile left-back never featured for the senior squad. He earned the club's U23 Player of the Year award in 2022 before temporary spells at Preston North End and Granada.

Carreras' permanent exit was finalized in 2024, but United secured buy-back and sell-on provisions in their agreement with Benfica.

In his latest report about the 22-year-old's Madrid transfer, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Red Devils would not exercise Carreras' buy-back option, reportedly valued at £17 million ($22.9 million).

They will, nonetheless, receive 20% of the £43.4 million ($58.5 million) release clause activated by Los Blancos. This amounts to approximately £8.68 million ($11.7 million). United have already collected substantial funds from Anthony Elanga's £52 million ($72.1 million) transfer from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle United, and Carreras' Spanish capital return could further enhance their summer transfer resources.

Nevertheless, these modest financial gains cannot compensate for the club's failure to retain two promising talents who have become extremely valuable players at other clubs.