Man United confirm first summer sale: 21yo leaves Old Trafford in a deal worth £7.7m
Manchester United have confirmed the permanent departure of Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica after the Portuguese club activated their buy clause in the left-back’s loan agreement.
The Red Devils released a statement on ManUtd.com: “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.”
Fernandez spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan with Benfica and featured 16 times.
According to the Athletic, Benfica have signed the youngster in a deal worth £7.7 million that includes £2.6m in potential add-ons.
The loan deal to the Lisbon outfit included an obligation to buy if Fernandez started 50 per cent of games and outlined the transfer fee to sign him.
United deemed Alvaro Fernandez not ready for first-team
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were unavailable in the second half of the previous season. Despite lacking a specialist left-back, United did not promote Fernandez into the first-team.
They recalled him from Granada in January so he could sign for Benfica on loan. United were also under the impression that Shaw and Malacia would regain fitness soon.
Allowing Fernandez to move to Portugal signalled that United do not think that the youngster is ready for the Premier League.
The Red Devils are receiving £5.1m up-front from Benfica. They also have a buy-back clause, matching rights and a sell-on clause.
It looks like a good deal for both United and the player. Fernandez will get regular game time which he requires at the age of 21 to develop.
United could bring him back in the future by activating the buy-back clause.
They would also benefit from the sell-on clause, as last year, when Tahith Chong joined Luton Town from Birmingham City.