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Manchester United are reportedly set to receive a £15 million windfall from a former Carrington graduate ahead of an important summer at Old Trafford.
Alvaro Carreras, 22, left the Red Devils last year to join Liga Portugal side Benfica after spending the second half of that season on loan with As Águias.
The deal was worth an initial £5 million with a potential £2.5 million in add-ons. It included a buy-back option, as well as a sell-on clause tied to Carreras’ contact at the Estádio da Luz, which contains a release clause believed to be worth £42 million.
United had considered triggering this buy-back in January as the club searched for a new left wing-back to solve a problem position for new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Eventually, the Reds settled on Lecce starlet Patrick Dorgu who joined for an an initial fee of £25 million at the end of the winter window.
Concerns over Carreras’ physicality and defensive positioning were believed to have influenced this decision. However, there was also thought to be a reluctance from the Spaniard to return to England, with his focus on a move to Spain.
La Liga’s ‘big three’ – Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid – have all been linked with moves for Carreras.
But it is Los Blancos who have ramped up efforts to sign the fullback with incoming manager Xabi Alonso believed to have personally identified the former United man as a key target.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person reveals Madrid are “set to agree personal terms” with Carreras and will seek to close a deal after Benfica’s cup final in the Taça de Portugal this weekend.
Spanish outlet Diario As contends the move will cost between €40 million to €50 million with Benfica considering the former their “red line” for an agreement.
As a result of this deal, Diario As reveals, United will receive €18 million (£15m) – equivalent to their buy-back option.
The report states, “18 million euros of the deal with Madrid will go to the English club (this is the buy-back option United has) once they have given the Lisbon team the green light to negotiate and not interfere in the transaction.
A £15 million cash injection from a former academy player, whose sales constitute ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective, is a significant boost for the Red Devils ahead of a pivotal transfer window at Old Trafford this summer.
Feature image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images
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