Manchester United are left to rue their decision to sell Alvaro Carreras, as Chelsea reportedly target the Real Madrid star. The left-back, who never made a competitive appearance for United, is now being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's Left-Back Search
Chelsea are actively scouting the left-back market following the imminent departure of Marc Cucurella, who is set to join Real Madrid this summer. It was confirmed on Monday that Cucurella will make a permanent move to Madrid, signing a six-year contract until summer 2032. The deal is worth a total of £51.7 million, comprising a £47.4 million fixed fee plus £4.3 million in add-ons.
With Cucurella's exit now confirmed, Chelsea are seeking a new left-back, and reports suggest Carreras has emerged as a prime target. Spanish outlet AS reports that Chelsea are weighing up a potential move for the defender, who has been added to the Blues' shortlist of summer targets. The report also indicates that Madrid are not entirely opposed to selling Carreras this summer, with the player himself undecided about his future.
Carreras' Journey from United to Madrid
United signed Carreras in 2020 as a 17-year-old. He won the club's Under-23 Player of the Year award during the 2022/23 season but did not make a single competitive appearance for the first team. After loan spells with Preston North End, Granada, and Benfica, he moved permanently to Benfica in 2024. He then joined Real Madrid, where he made 40 appearances in his first season, including nine in the Champions League. Carreras has also earned nine caps for Spain's Under-21 side.
Interest from Incoming Chelsea Manager
Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is understood to be a keen admirer of Carreras, which is driving suggestions that a transfer to Stamford Bridge could materialise before the start of next season. Meanwhile, Madrid's new manager, Jose Mourinho, has set his sights on bringing in Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool, Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan, and Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.
Carreras is currently on summer holiday after being left out of Spain's squad for the World Cup. On Monday evening, Spain were held to a goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening match, with Cucurella playing the entire 90 minutes at left-back.
