Alvaro Carreras has recently emerged as a potential summer transfer target for Chelsea. Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso knows the left-back well and has reportedly included the defender on his list of demands.
The Connection with Chelsea
The connection with Chelsea intensified following Marc Cucurella's sudden £51.7 million move from Stamford Bridge to Real Madrid. Carreras has entered the thinking of the Blues' hierarchy as they explore options to fill the void left by the Spaniard.
Early Career and Youth Development
Before making his mark in senior football, Carreras spent his early youth development at Real Madrid's academy before moving to England. He was signed by Manchester United at the age of 17 in 2020, where he went on to win the Under-23 Player of the Year award for the 2021-22 campaign.
Despite his domestic youth success in Manchester, the left-back never made a single competitive first-team appearance for United. He spent subsequent spells away on loan, featuring for Preston North End and La Liga club Granada.
Move to Benfica and Rise to Prominence
His career took a major upward turn when he joined Portuguese giants Benfica on loan in January 2024. The Lisbon club eventually made the transfer permanent later that year for a €9 million fee.
After a highly successful period in Portugal, Real Madrid secured the defender's services in the summer of 2025. Los Blancos brought him back to Spain in a high-profile transfer deal worth €43 million.
Time at Real Madrid
His time back at Real Madrid has been somewhat inconsistent, as he experienced mixed fortunes during his debut campaign. He often found himself named among the substitutes and competing heavily with Fran García for minutes on the pitch.
The player made 40 total appearances during the campaign, scoring two goals and providing three assists. However, he is now facing an uncertain future in Madrid under incoming manager José Mourinho following Cucurella's arrival.
Manchester United's Sell-On Clause
Manchester United secured a lucrative financial return when Benfica chose to sell Carreras to Real Madrid. The Manchester club had astutely inserted a 15% sell-on clause into his contract when they parted ways with him.
Because of this specific sell-on clause, United received a figure of up to £7.5 million from the €43 million Spanish transfer. However, they would receive nothing if he joins Chelsea, as the release clause kicked into gear when Benfica sold him to Real Madrid.
