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Manchester United’s academy product Álvaro Carreras will don the jersey of Los Blancos from next season onwards.
In recent years, United’s academy have produced a number of top talents. However, several promising stars have failed to establish themselves in first-team for one reason or another.
Last summer, Mason Greenwood was shipped to Olympique de Marseille for off-field issue. Meanwhile, this summer, both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have been pushed away from Ruben Amorim’s plans due to question marks over their work ethic and attitude.
In January of 2024, United also parted ways with Carreras on an initial loan deal. Since Erik ten Hag had no interest in handing the club’s U23 player of the 2021-22 season a genuine first-team opportunity, the Red Devils handed Benfica a buy option worth €6 million.
Benfica did not hesitate and exercised the clause last summer. A year later, the Lisbon outfit have agreed to sell the Spain U21 international to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid sign Álvaro Carreras
The Spanish giants have been chasing Carreras since the end of the season after the ex-United full-back impressed clubs across Europe with his pace and passing, especially in the final third. The 22-year-old was directly involved in nine goals across all competitions.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real agreed to pay €50 million in installments to Benfica instead of triggering the player’s release clause.
The Italian journalist further revealed that Carreras “only wanted Real Madrid this summer as he stayed patient even when talks between clubs went on stand-by in June.”
In their statement on their official website, Real confirmed Carreras have signed a six-year contract, until 2031, with them.
They added: “Álvaro Carreras’ presentation will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at 1:00 p.m., at Real Madrid City.”
Manchester United snubbed chance to sign Carreras
United included a buy-back option in their deal for Carreras. Accordingly, they had the option to make a move for him this summer.
Instead, the Premier League giants gave their green light to the Spaniard’s return to Madrid. He moved to Manchester from Real’s youth setup in 2020.
Having said that, Carreras’s exit from Benfica still benefits United, as they hold a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
Feature image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images
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