Manchester United buyback clause amount comes to light amid Liverpool interest in Alvaro Carreras: Reports
Liverpool have been linked with former Manchester United left back Alvaro Carreras. The Red Devils, however, had a buyback clause inserted in the deal that took the 21-year-old to Benfica.
The promising Spanish full back signed for Manchester United from Real Madrid as a 17-year-old back in 2020. Two years later, he was promoted to the first team, but failed to make his debut with the club and was sent on loan to Preston North-End and Granada.
In January 2024, Carreras moved to Portuguese side Benfica, who exercised their option to sign the left back on a permanent deal in May this year reportedly for €6 million, including add-ons. The left back made 16 appearances for Benfica last season and has started all but one match for the club this term.
Carreras' performances in Portugal have alerted clubs across Europe. According to Portuguese outlest O Jogo, Manchester United's traditional rivals Liverpool reportedly view the youngster as a successor to Scotsman Andy Robertson.
According to Record, Carreras signed a five-year deal with Benfica earlier this summer with a release clause of €50 million, which would go down to €20 million for the Red Devils.
Injury concerns to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia could mean that Erik ten Hag's side might exercise their option to buy the youngster back and prevent their arch-rivals from strengthening futher.
Manchester United legends impressed by Liverpool's start to the season
Former Manchester United stars Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville admitted being impressed by Liverpool this season. Under Arne Slot, the Reds have made a sensational start to the season. The six-time European champions are top of the Premier League table with six wins in seven matches while they also have a 100% record in the Champions League.
Appearing on the Stick to Football podcast hosted by Gary Neville, Rooney named the Merseyside club as the team that has caught his attention.
"I’d go Liverpool," the former Manchester United and Everton forward said when asked who has impressed him the most.
"I think with the manager coming in after [Jurgen] Klopp, that was obviously big pressure and they look more solid. I think they’ve got a good solid base and the manager comes across well," he added.
The host of the show, Gary Neville, after overcoming the shock at his former teammate's response, praised Arne Slot's side's solidity at the back this season.
"That back five, to be fair, has probably played together more than any other back five for a long time, it feels like," Neville said.
"You’ve got [Andy] Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, [Ibrahima] Konate and [Virgil] Van Dijk. Some will say Konate’s not played every game but it feels like that back five, along with Alisson, is quite solid," he added.
Liverpool have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season. Arne Slot's side have conceded just two goals in seven matches so far. However, their defense will be put to the test after the international break with matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, and Aston Villa up next in the league.