Real Madrid have presented new signing Alvaro Carreras to the press, after a lengthy transfer saga. Los Blancos announced the deal on Monday evening, with Benfica set to receive €50m in

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.

Carreras, who trained at La Fábrica during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons, has rejoined the club he once called home. His return represents more than just a new signing—it’s the comeback of a homegrown talent forged in the values of madridismo.

Los Blancos have officially completed the transfer of Carreras from Benfica. The Spanish left-back, who initially joined the Eagles on loan from Manchester United in January 2024, impressed enough to attract Madrid, who have swooped in to bring the 22-year-old back to Spain on a six-year contract.