Manchester United dealt “secret” blow after Alvaro Carreras buy-back clause revealed

Manchester United’s buy-back clause for Alvaro Carreras has been revealed, but they have also been dealt a bizarre blow following recent revelations about his contract.

Last season, Manchester United generated over £100 million in player sales as part of Erik ten Hag‘s squad overhaul.

Big names like Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho, and Willy Kambwala all left for considerable transfer fees, with the new INEOS leadership eager to raise funds for reinvestment.

Read More: How Man United’s dressing room vs Aston Villa was “shockingly breached” and what Erik ten Hag said

However, one lesser-known departure was that of Álvaro Fernández Carreras, who made a permanent move to Benfica.

Carreras joined United around the same time as Alejandro Garnacho but didn’t have the same impact as the Argentine winger. In January 2024, he went on loan to Benfica, and despite a slow start, he was expected to return to Carrington. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, Benfica triggered their £5 million buy option, making the move permanent.

Since then, the Spanish left-back has become a key figure at the club, appearing in nine matches with seven starts. His performances have now caught the attention of his former club and other European clubs, such as Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Buy-back clause blow

When United negotiated the move to Benfica, they included a buy-back clause, which Portuguese outlet Record has revealed sits at around €20 million (£16.7 million).

Further, it was reported that, for every other club, there is a €50 million (£41.8 million) buy-out clause in his contract, meaning United have a vast £25 million discount should they choose to re-sign their former player.

However, a fresh report from the Manchester Evening News has revealed that a second clause, which they describe as a “secret,” has also been added to the contract.

According to the report, United’s buy-back clause is only valid until the end of the 2026 summer transfer window. United will have until then to decide whether to repurchase Carreras, considering their current injury issues at left-back.

However, with teams such as Real Madrid and Liverpool reportedly circling, they may have less time than they think.

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