Benfica are reportedly closing in on signing 20-year-old Manchester United defensive sensation Alvaro Fernandez.
According to a report by The Athletic, Alvaro Fernandez could soon join Portuguese club Benfica on a permanent basis. Manchester United are all set to cut short the 20-year-old full-back’s loan spell at Granada to facilitate his move to Portugal.
Who is Alvaro Fernandez?
Fernandez was a part of the Real Madrid youth ranks back in the day. But things did not go according to plan for the Spanish youth international at the club, and he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2020. He has since come up the ranks and has been subject to a loan move at Preston North End.
The Red Devils were in a spot of bother in the initial stage of the season, as both their left-backs, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, picked up long-term injuries. Despite that, Erik ten Hag decided against using the 20-year-old and signed Sergio Reguilon on a short loan.
The Red Devils decided to send the Spanish youth international out on loan to Granada as ten Hag was not convinced that he was ready to feature for their first team. But his loan move at the Spanish club has not gone according to plan. Fernandez has only made five starts in La Liga and has racked up just 473 minutes of league action so far.
His lack of game time has not gone down well with Manchester United. And with Benfica ready to sign him, the Red Devils are ready to cut short his loan spell. The Portuguese club want to add a new left-back into the mix.
Benfica Calling?
The UEFA Champions League regulars are looking for more depth as well as quality in the backline and feel the arrival of Alvaro Fernandez can help them come out on top in the race for the league title. With the Portuguese club ready to sign him on a permanent basis, the Red Devils are ready to terminate his loan at Granada.
According to reports, the 20-year-old whizkid has agreed personal terms with Benfica. He is looking for stability in his career and the Portuguese club could be an ideal place for the youngster. The final details of the transfer are being worked upon and then we could have an official confirmation of the transfer.
