Third Real Madrid signing after Huijsen and Trent '90%' done

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 17 May 2025 16:49 BST
  • 4 min read
Real Madrid Transfer Needs Alonso Huijsen Alexander-Arnold
© IMAGO

Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Benfica full-back Alvaro Carreras, according to Spanish media.

Article continues under the video

Los Blancos are ramping up their summer business after managing to secure the arrival of Xabi Alonso as their new head coach. The former midfielder outlined his clear summer plans during the talks over his appointment, and Real Madrid are acting accordingly.

Compared
Player image Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B

B'mouth

Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B

B'mouth

VS

Player image Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold

D (R)

Liverpool logo

Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold

D (R)

Liverpool

Liverpool

€55M

ETV

€55.8M

€49.5M - €60.5M ETV Range €50.2M - €61.4M
20 years old (14 Apr, 2005) Age 26 years old (07 Oct, 1998)
Netherlands Netherlands
Nationality
England England

Alonso made it clear that he wanted a new centre-back, so the Spanish giants moved swiftly to tie up a deal for Bournemouth wonderkid Dean Huijsen.

The 20-year-old's €60 million transfer was officially confirmed on Saturday morning, with Huijsen penning a five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Real Madrid aren't done there.

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to link up with Alonso this summer, and he will arrive on a free transfer, although his move has yet to be officially announced.

Real Madrid close in on Carreras

In addition to the pair of Premier League stars, Real Madrid are now also closing in on a third acquisition in the form of Benfica full-back Alvaro Carreras.

The former Man Utd defender, who also previously spent time in Los Blancos' academy, has long been linked with a return to Madrid, which now appears to be really taking shape.

Alvaro Carreras
© IMAGO - Alvaro Carreras

According to AS, his signing is '90 per cent' done as far as Real Madrid are concerned. Although it is described as a 'complex move,' the deal is understood to be advancing at a 'good pace.'

There is still some uncertainty regarding how exactly Real Madrid will sign him. The above-mentioned outlet is sticking to its previous reporting that Man Utd will re-sign him for €18m and then flip him to Los Blancos for €35m.

However, it has been claimed that such a 'bridge transfer' would breach FIFA regulations. Other Spanish outlets are therefore reporting that Real Madrid will simply match Benfica's demands, which are thought to be in the region of €50m-€60m.

Either way, it seems that it is only a matter of time before Real Madrid secure their third reinforcement of the summer.

Football transfer news headlines today

EXCLUSIVE: Sporting CP set new Viktor Gyokeres condition as Arsenal ramp up pursuit

OFFICIAL: Arsenal youth star promoted to join Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly in first team

Liverpool announce contract signing after Frimpong confirmation

Dean Huijsen: The Liverpool mistake will haunt Real Madrid’s new signing forever

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.