Atlético de Madrid is still looking for reinforcements for the next season, and one of the names that has emerged strongly is the Spanish defender, Álvaro Carreras. The young Spanish full-back, currently at Benfica, has caught the attention of the red-and-white coaching staff due to his great performance in the Portuguese league and European competitions. At 21 years old, his profile fits the club's recruitment policy, which seeks young talent with room for growth.
A Talent Forged in Various Academies
In 2017, he caught the attention of Real Madrid, which incorporated him into its academy. However, after several years at Casa Blanca, Manchester United signed him in 2020, betting on his potential. His stay in England was not very remarkable, and after a loan to Granada in the 2023-24 season, Benfica decided to sign him for 6 million euros in January 2024.
Since his arrival in Portugal, Carreras has established himself as a starter at left-back for Benfica, showing great defensive solidity and quite notable offensive capability. His performance against Barcelona in the Champions League, where he provided an assist and neutralized the talented Lamine Yamal, was one of his best displays to date.
Competition for His Signing
Atlético de Madrid has identified Carreras as an ideal option to strengthen the left-back position. Simeone is looking for a player who combines defensive solidity with offensive projection, characteristics that the young Spaniard has demonstrated at Benfica. With the possible departure of players like Reinildo or the need for a replacement for Samuel Lino in that position, Carreras appears as a future bet for the club.
However, Atlético is not the only club interested in the full-back. Teams like Real Madrid and Manchester United are also closely following him. In fact, the English team included a buy-back clause in his sale to Benfica, allowing them to recover him by paying around 20 million euros.
Contract and Possible Obstacles
Benfica, aware of Carreras's growth, signed him to a contract until 2029 with a release clause of 50 million euros. If Atlético wants to sign him, they will have to negotiate with the Portuguese club, which will not facilitate his departure for less than a considerable amount.
Atlético, however, has a good relationship with Benfica, and could attempt an agreement that includes variables and possible loans to reduce the operation's cost for the full-back. Additionally, the player's desire to return to Spain could play in favor of the red-and-white club in the negotiations.
A Signing with Great Potential
Álvaro Carreras represents a market opportunity for Atlético de Madrid. His youth, experience in top-level leagues, and room for improvement make him an interesting reinforcement. His incorporation would be a long-term bet to strengthen the left-back position, a key position in Simeone's scheme.