Carreras has taken a winding route via Manchester United, the Championship and Benfica to get back to the Spanish capital

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Alvaro Carreras: Why Real Madrid Paid €50 Million to Re-Sign a Player Who Left For Free. Five years later, Álvaro Carreras is back with Real Madrid.

Los Blancos want a top midfielder, with a report in Spain claiming that Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City stars are on their radar

It was always clear that the defence would be Real Madrid’s biggest priority heading into the new season. Florentino Perez and Co., needless to say, have over-delivered on that front.After signing

The Spain youth international has spent time at Manchester United, Preston North End, Grenada and Benfica since he was last at Madrid.

Real Madrid has signed Álvaro Carreras from Benfica on a six-year deal. The 22-year-old left back previously played in Madrid's youth academy from 2017-20.

Rodrygo has been linked with a move away, as both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in the winger. His move could provide a significant boost in funds for Real. Dani Ceballos could also be leaving the club, with Real valuing the midfielder at around €20m.

But listen to the way Xabi Alonso spoke about Alex Grimaldo throughout Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible title-winning season — when he provided 10 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga from his high-flying wing-back role — and it would be fair to assume that the Spaniard was top of the class.

Real Madrid announced their fourth signing under Xabi Alonso, and it has been expected for some time. President Florentino Perez unveiled Benfica left-back Álva

Real Madrid confirmed their fourth signing of the summer on Monday as they brought in Alvaro Carreras from SL Benfica.The 22-year-old arrived in a deal worth €50 million, to be paid in multiple