Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez is set to make a permanent move to Benfica in the upcoming summer transfer window. Currently on loan at the Portuguese club until the end of the season, it appears that his future lies in Lisbon rather than Manchester. The 21-year-old left-back has not yet made his first-team debut for United, spending the 2023/24 season on loan with Granada and Benfica.

After making 14 appearances for Granada, he was recalled by United in the January transfer window. The reason behind the loan switch is that Benfica has expressed willingness to commit to an obligation to buy Fernandez for €6million (£5.1m), with the potential to rise to €9m (£7.6m) if he plays in 50 percent of their games until the end of the season. It is reported that the Dutchman in charge of United believes that young players should seek out challenging experiences to prove their worth for a spot in the first-team squad.

Fernandez commented on the message from United, stating, “What message did United give me? That I should go out on loan, that Ten Hag didn’t count on me, that I should continue to gain experience, rhythm, and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

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