Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica is Manchester United’s first summer transfer confirmed.
Benfica’s Spanish defender #03 Alvaro Fernandez Carreras (L) vies with Famalicao’s Panamanian forward #07 Puma Rodriguez during the Portuguese League football match between FC Famalicao and SL Benfica at the Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho in Vila Nova de Famalicao on May 5, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Alvaro Fernandez’s loan agreement with Benfica has come to an end, as confirmed by Manchester United. The Portuguese team has exercised their buy clause.
“Everyone at United would like to wish Alvaro all the best of luck in the future and will be keeping an eye on his progress,” read a statement posted by the Red Devils on ManUtd.com.
Fernandez made 16 appearances while on loan at Benfica during the second half of the 2023–2024 campaign.
Benfica reportedly paid £7.7 million for the young player, with an additional £2.6 million possible, according to the Athletic.
The loan agreement with the Lisbon team specified the transfer fee to sign Fernandez and included a buyout clause if he started 50% of the games.
Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw were sidelined during the second half of the previous season, and United decided that Alvaro Fernandez was not yet ready for the starting lineup. Even with the absence of a left-back specialist, Fernandez was not elevated to the first team by United.
In January, they called him back from Granada so he could sign a loan with Benfica. Additionally, Shaw and Malacia were believed by United to return to full fitness soon.
Fernandez’s move to Portugal was approved, indicating that United does not believe the young player is prepared for the Premier League.
Benfica is giving the Red Devils £5.1 million up front. They also include a sell-on, matching rights, and buy-back clause.
🚨🦅 Benfica confirm Álvaro Fernández joining the club on permanent deal from Man United.
€6m to Man United plus buy back clause, matching rights and also sell-on clause. https://t.co/3avzoz7pK8 pic.twitter.com/NVceJdyW26
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2024
From the looks of it, United and the player are getting a good deal. Fernandez, who is 21 years old, will receive the regular playing time he needs to grow.
The buy-back clause could be used by United in the future to bring him back.
Similar to when Tahith Chong transferred from Birmingham City to Luton Town last year, they would also profit from the sell-on clause.
