Real Madrid set to scout €50 million-rated former academy ace in high-profile encounter | OneFootball

According to a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are closely tracking Alvaro Carreras, the Spanish left-back currently making waves at Benfica.

In fact, representatives from the club are reportedly in Lisbon to observe him during the high-stakes derby clash between Benfica and Sporting CP, underlining just how serious Los Blancos are about strengthening their left side of defence.

The 22-year-old Carreras, who was once part of Real Madrid’s youth academy, has enjoyed a strong season in Portugal, establishing himself as a reliable and dynamic full-back for Benfica.

His performances have naturally drawn interest, especially from a Madrid side desperate for solutions after underwhelming seasons from both Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia.

There will problems

Despite being under contract at Benfica until 2029, Real Madrid have not ruled out a move. However, the Portuguese side are demanding a steep €50 million fee, a valuation Madrid see as excessive.

Real Madrid are scouting Alvaro Carreras for summer move. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Still, club officials have reportedly devised a clever workaround strategy to reduce that cost significantly. As reported before, Real Madrid plan to involve Manchester United, who still hold an €18 million buy-back clause for Carreras after selling him to Benfica for €6 million.

Madrid’s idea is to convince United to trigger their clause, bringing Carreras back to Old Trafford.

Once he is back in England, Real Madrid would negotiate directly with United to sign him for a fee in the region of €30–35 million, a substantial saving compared to Benfica’s asking price.

However, it must be noted that while Carreras remains a top option, he is not the only name on Real Madrid’s radar. Ajax’s highly-rated Jorrel Hato is also being considered.

Like Carreras, Hato offers youth, technical quality, and positional flexibility, traits highly valued by Madrid’s current recruitment team.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.