Real Madrid are reportedly looking to sign a left-back in the upcoming summer transfer window, due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ferland Mendy and Fran García. It appears that the club has started to seriously focus on a promising candidate.
According to the Spanish newspaper Defensa Central, one name gaining strong traction is Álvaro Carreras, a Real Madrid academy graduate currently excelling at Benfica. The player has become a key figure in the Portuguese side, attracting the attention of the Merengue management, who are now reassessing the feasibility of bringing him back.
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Some reports suggest that Carreras’s release clause stands at €60 million—a significant figure. However, Manchester United, who sold him to Benfica last summer, retained an €18 million buy-back option—an opportunity Real Madrid is keen to take advantage of.
The likely strategy would involve Manchester United temporarily activating the buy-back clause, then transferring the player to Real Madrid for a fee below the release clause. Current estimates range between €30 million and €35 million and could go up to €50 million—but still remain under Benfica’s direct asking price, as the club is unwilling to negotiate directly.
This arrangement would benefit both clubs: Real Madrid would acquire their desired left-back, and Manchester United would make a quick profit from the resale.
The main reason behind Real Madrid’s pursuit of a new left-back lies in Ferland Mendy’s persistent injury issues. The Frenchman has missed several games this season, casting doubt over his long-term role—especially if coach Carlo Ancelotti departs.
Ancelotti has been one of Mendy’s strongest advocates, viewing him as the best defensive left-back when fully fit. However, his future at the club is also uncertain, and any change in the coaching staff could shift the club’s stance on Mendy as well.
