Manchester United can make a quick profit from Alvaro Carreras amid interest from Real Madrid, according to Spanish outlet AS (page 1 & 2).
Madrid are already planning for the Club World Cup under incoming manager Xabi Alonso. They have their sights on landing three defenders before the tournament.
Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is poised to join in the coming days. Madrid are optimistic about convincing Liverpool to release Trent Alexander-Arnold in advance.
AS now claim that Carreras is the third defensive target for the Spanish heavyweights. United may have a big role to play in Madrid signing the Benfica left-back.
Carreras has a huge £50.6 million release clause in his Benfica contract, which Madrid have no plans to trigger.
Instead, the club want United to activate their £15.2m buy-back clause. The Red Devils could thereafter sell the left-back to Los Blancos for £25.3m to £29.5m.
Madrid are eager to re-sign their graduate at the earliest opportunity to prepare for the Club World Cup.
United could secure a quick £14.3m profit from Carreras
The Red Devils had the option to re-sign Carreras from Benfica during the winter transfer window, but the hierarchy decided to spend big on Patrick Dorgu instead.
It seems quite clear that manager Ruben Amorim does not fancy him. The club now have the opportunity to make a quick profit from his services amid Madrid’s interest.
Benfica won’t be pleased with a ‘bridge transfer’, but FIFA rules claim that Carreras would be eligible to play for Madrid at the Club World Cup, having not played a competitive game for United this season.
Chapter III: Registration of Players, Article 5.3 states: “Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.”
This could be a key reason behind Madrid pushing for the deal. Had Carreras made his United debut earlier this campaign, he would be ineligible to be registered by Los Blancos this term.
The Red Devils are walking a tight rope with the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). An instant £14.3m profit would recover some losses before the financial year ends on June 30.