Manchester United have revealed that promising full-back Alvaro Fernandez will join Portuguese club Benfica on loan until the end of the season.
Benfica has an obligation to buy Fernandez for €6 million, which will rise to €9 million if he plays 50% of their games between now and the conclusion of the season. Benfica also has the option to acquire the Spaniard if the obligation threshold is not met, while United has included a buy-back and sell-on clause.
The 20-year-old had spent the first part of the season on loan at Spanish club Grenada. He was recalled to Old Trafford earlier in the transfer window after a break provision in the loan agreement was activated.
United have now confirmed that the defender has returned on loan to Portuguese side Benfica until the end of the season. The Manchester Evening News understands that an option to buy was included in the transaction, implying that the move may be made permanent during the summer transfer window.
The left back has been with United since September 2020, when he joined from Real Madrid. He received the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award in 2022.
Fernandez played with United’s first team during the preseason, starting four of the club’s friendly games as they ramped up their preparations for the upcoming season. He set up Marc Jurado’s goal in the friendly versus Wrexham, which was held in San Diego.
The full-back spent last season on loan with Championship side Preston North End, where he helped them finish 12th in the league. He impressed in the second tier, making a total of 42 appearances in all competitions.
Following his recall from Granada, Fernandez took to Instagram to address the club’s fans. “My stay in Granada was special but not as long as we all hoped,” he stated in an email.
“It was a pleasure to represent this club, and I will always be grateful to the supporters and the club in general, but most of all to the individuals who have taken care of and supported me from the beginning.
“We wished the season had been more successful, but we made some incredible experiences, and I will always remember my time at the club as an essential aspect of my career.
“I wish them all the best for the remainder of the season. I know this group and our devoted supporters have the mindset and determination to stay on our feet this season and achieve our goal.”
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