Manchester United paid £25 million to acquire Patrick Dorgu in the January transfer window with Ruben Amorim making it clear to INEOS that he needed a specialist wingback.
The Red Devils had two options — the Dane and former Carrington graduate Alvaro Carreras, who is currently shining for Benfica since joining the Portuguese giants last summer.
While Erik ten Hag did not have too much faith in the Spanish sensation, the club opted to wisely insert a buyback clause as well as a hefty sell-on clause.
While the new head coach opted to pursue the former Lecce star, the 21-year-old has attracted interest from three of Spain’s biggest clubs — Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Atletico want Alvaro
The Spain U21 international has three goals and five assists this term and as reported by O Jogo, Atleti are hellbent on acquiring his signature in the summer.
The 20-time English league champions have a €20 million buyback clause but with Dorgu impressing on the left, what the Old Trafford side need next summer is a right wingback.
Benfica had included a €50 million release clause which the Colchoneros are open to triggering. And while United might end up missing out on their former academy star, they could earn a hefty fee thanks to the sell-on clause.
“Álvaro Carreras’ future could soon involve a return to his home country. The left-back is closely followed in Spain by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid and the Colchoneros are keen to sign the Eagles’ number 3 next summer.
United set to profit
“Álvaro Carreras is generating total consensus in the sporting management of the Colchonero club and, even though they are aware of Manchester United’s option to buy him back, Atlético de Madrid’s managers will go all out for the player.
“And not even the 50 million euro release clause that the Spanish under-21 international is protected by Benfica will scare the club from the neighbouring country.”
Given the financial difficulties at Old Trafford, any extra income is welcome and Carreras’ sale could raise millions which can subsequently be used to bring in players that Amorim wants.
It is well known at this point that the Portuguese tactician wants a striker and a midfielder while a centre-back and goalkeeper could also be brought in as backup if there is money to spare.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
