Red Devils and Real Madrid on a mission - outsmarting Benfica

The biggest club in the world has long been known for setting standards, breaking records, and pushing boundaries — but if there's a way to save 30 millions at someone else’s expense, why not take it?

At the Santiago Bernabeu, plans are already underway to freshen up the squad after a disappointing season. A new manager seems all but confirmed — most likely Xabi Alonso — and a dressing room shake-up is imminent. Among the targeted reinforcements is a left-back from Benfica: Alvaro Carreras.

The 22-year-old Spaniard from Ferrol has had a winding journey through youth systems — from Ferrol to Deportivo La Coruna, Real Madrid, and then Manchester United, where he began his professional career. But after struggling to secure a permanent place, Carreras moved on loan several times before ending up at Benfica, who eventually made his move permanent.

Now, Real Madrid want him back. But there's a catch: the left-back has a 60 million euros release clause in his contract, and if there’s one thing everyone knows about Benfica, it’s that they don’t negotiate down from what’s written in black and white.

However, Real may have found a loophole. According to AS, the Madrid club is plotting a clever workaround. When Manchester United sold Carreras to Benfica for 6 millions (plus 3 millions in bonuses), they included a buy-back clause worth 18 millions — a classic “buy-back” option.

And here’s where Real’s plan kicks in: they want United to activate the clause, re-sign Carreras for 18 millions, and then immediately sell him to Real Madrid for 30 millions. Everyone wins — almost. United would pocket a 12 millions profit with zero risk, Real would get their man for half the price, and only Benfica would be left out in the cold. But with their hands tied by the contract, there’s little they can do.