Real Madrid’s plan to sign Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras via Manchester United would be in breach of FIFA’s transfer rules.
Sensation Plan Revealed
A sensational report from Spain on Friday revealed that Real Madrid had made a plan to secure Carreras this summer. The 22-year-old Spaniard has impressed greatly at Benfica since his arrival last year, which makes the Portuguese big club reluctant to sell him.
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It was claimed that Benfica set a price of as much as €60 million to deter Madrid’s interest – a sum the Spanish champions are unwilling to pay for the young full-back.
Forbidden “bridge crossing”
Instead, Real Madrid wanted to use Carreras’ former club Manchester United, which has a repurchase clause of 18 million euros The plan is as follows:
- Madrid should ask United to exploit this clause
- Then pay €35 million to United to sign him
But Portuguese O Jogo now reveals that such a “bridge crossing” is impossible according to FIFA’s regulations. The rules prohibit “two consecutive transfers, domestic or international, for the same player within 16 weeks”. Violation of this rule will result in sanctions for all parties involved.
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Benfica wants to keep the star
Record further reports that there are “indications” that Carreras will remain at Benfica after this season. The club is actually considering offering him an improved contract.
Nevertheless, the Spanish interest is confirmed. Benfica coach Bruno Lage revealed that both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old full-back:
“When I arrived at Benfica in September 2024, Carreras was considered a failure – today he is sought after by Spain’s two biggest clubs,” Lage stated.
“I would go so far as to say that he is the player we use the most. He is crucial to our dynamic, and I am very happy with him. I’m just saying that he was seen as a failure because that’s what I read.”
A situation that shows how attractive the young Spaniard has become – but how complicated the transfer now seems to be due to FIFA’s strict rules.
