Manchester United's transfer window is full of ongoing storylines, from Bryan Mbeumo's imminent arrival to the potential departure of several players, like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho.
United fans have one more transfer story to pay close attention to, thanks to Real Madrid.
According to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Madrid are expected to ramp up their interest in Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.
Why is this important for United?
The Red Devils loaned Carreras to Benfica in January 2024 with an option to buy, which they picked up. However, it doesn't end there. Rai reported last month that United also have a 20 percent sell-on clause "of anything above the £5m the Lisbon club bought him for."
Madrid may have to pay his release clause at around £42.9 million. United would receive 20 percent of that sale (after taking £5 million off the fee). That's 20 percent of £37.9 million, which would earn them around £7.6 million. Not bad.
Real Madrid signing Alvaro Carreras would directly help Man United in the transfer market
Obviously, if Madrid negotiate a lower transfer fee than Carreras' release clause, it would also reduce the amount United receive. There are many variables in this potential deal.
But it's yet another transfer story to pay close attention to. Man United's squad needs significant upgrades, but the challenge is ensuring enough players are leaving the club and bringing in transfer fees.
Madrid signing Carreras would give United bonus money to reinvest in the squad. It's not a game-changing amount, but every little helps, especially after spending big to land Matheus Cunha and (likely) Mbeumo.
It's also notable that United seemingly have no intention of using the buy-back clause they have with Carreras, which would give Madrid a clear path to signing him. After all, left-back is an uncertain position for Ruben Amorim's side.
United have plenty of unanswered questions in this transfer window. Carreras' future is quietly among them.