Carreras has taken a winding route via Manchester United, the Championship and Benfica to get back to the Spanish capital

It was always clear that the defence would be Real Madrid’s biggest priority heading into the new season. Florentino Perez and Co., needless to say, have over-delivered on that front.After signing

Real Madrid reached a deal to sign Álvaro Carreras from Benfica on Monday, bringing back the young left back who came through the Spanish club's youth squads. Madrid said the 22-year-old Carreras is arriving on a six-year contract.