The deal between Manchester United and Benfica is close to being finalised and the non-public conditions are fully agreed, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
It’s been a quiet window thus for at Old Trafford, with the club’s ability to sign new players handcuffed by conforming to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Erik ten Hag needs to sign new players, especially in the central and forward areas. However, unless there are less expensive offers or loans, giant purchases will only be viable if players are sold first.
On that front, two departures from Man Utd are being prepared for Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri. The latest news on their upcoming departures can be here.
Today’s update is about some other possible release, but for a player who is at Old Trafford anyway at the moment.
Left-back Alvaro Fernandez, 20, was loaned to Spanish club Granada ahead of the campaign.
That decision came as a surprise to many given Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were both injured at the time. However, rather than put his faith in Fernandez, Erik ten Hag instead opted to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham. Reguilon has since been sent back to Spurs.
Fernandez’s loan with Granada lasts the entire season. However, Portuguese giants Benfica like what they have noticed about the loan and Spanish media outlet COPE has claimed that an offer is in the works.
Now, according to playwrights guru Fabrizio Romano, Fernandez at Benfica is about to come to fruition. Therefore, the player’s loan spell at Granada is expected to come to an end.
Speaking to X, Romano showed that an agreement had been reached on the terms between Fernandez and Benfica.
Romano and Portuguese publication Record said a permanent move was being considered. Record said the payment would amount to €10 million (£8. 6 million).
However, a follow-up from Romano stressed a loan and not a permanent sale may actually take place.
Fernandez’s move to Benfica in a broader sense is not in jeopardy, they and Man Utd are still in talks about whether Fernandez deserves to be loaned out (presumably with an option to buy) or permanently signed here and now.
“Conversations between Benfica and Man Utd on final details for Alvaro Fernandez deal still ongoing,” clarified Romano.
“Maybe it’s just another formula and a permanent transfer. Today’s talks are nearing completion.
Man Utd got rid of Fernandez from Real Madrid’s academy in 2020 and the move was considered a significant blow at the time.
However, despite impressing during his loan spell at Preston North End last season, where Fernandez was named Young Player of the Year, the left-back was never given a chance at Old Trafford.
With the agreement with Benfica taking shape and the particular conditions defined, Fernandez can arrive and spend time at United at some point making his debut with the club.
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