Real Madrid intends to use Manchester United as an intermediary to secure one of their key summer transfer targets.
Both clubs are preparing for a busy transfer window, with United manager Ruben Amorim looking to shape his squad after taking charge midway through the season. ..Continue Reading
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants have pinpointed several potential signings, including Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to arrive on a free transfer once his contract expires.
Madrid is also prioritizing a new left-back and has placed Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras high on their shortlist.
Carreras has impressed in Portugal’s top division, racking up 46 appearances across all competitions this season.
However, Madrid is hesitant to negotiate directly with Benfica, who value the defender at £51 million.
According to Spanish outlet AS, the La Liga club is instead looking to leverage United’s buy-back clause to secure a better deal.
United had inserted a £15 million buy-back option when selling Carreras to Benfica for £5 million.
Madrid’s plan is for United to trigger that clause, re-signing the player, before selling him to them for a lower fee than Benfica’s asking price.
The report describes the arrangement as mutually beneficial—Madrid secures their target at a more reasonable cost, while United pockets a fee that can go toward their own transfers.
Madrid estimates an offer of around £26 million to £30 million would be enough to finalize the deal.
Carreras originally signed for United from Madrid in September 2020, initially joining their youth setup.
He later went on loan to Preston North End for the 2022/23 campaign before heading to Granada and eventually making the permanent move to Benfica.
