Manchester United have allowed talented young defender Alvaro Fernandez to make a loan switch to Benfica.
Alvaro Fernandez had spent the first half of the season on loan at Granada, where he made 13 appearances for the La Liga side, five as a starter.
His exit was viewed as a disappointment for the Spanish club, with Manchester United tempted by Benfica’s plans for him.
The deal controversially includes a buy-clause, which is dependent on games played. United would however stand to benefit in various other ways, with a sell-on clause and first refusal option.
Alvaro Fernandez excited for Benfica chance
Alvaro Fernandez is excited about his new opportunity in Portugal, unveiled by Benfica in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
In a video post on Benfica’s social media channels, reported by A Bola, he said simply: “My left foot is my greatest treasure. And now he belongs to Benfica.”
Fernandez later posted on his own Instagram page: “Extremely happy to be part of this great club @slbenfica The best place to keep dreaming, the best place to keep winning. New stage but always with my family.”
Strategy shift under Ten Hag
Manchester United have adopted a more ruthless approach under Erik ten Hag over youth talent.
Whereas under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, young players were often signed to extended deals and sold too late, or even released, United are attempting to sell when appropriate, and keep only the best young talents.
Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage, Matej Kovar, Noam Emeran, Marc Jurado and Teden Mengi were just some of the young players sold last summer, when the previous regime might have signed them all to long term extensions. Axel Tuanzebe and Ethan Galbraith were released. The previous year James Garner was sold.
It’s a risky strategy, but United are looking to be smart, and reduce the risk, adding in protections with the latest loans to sell, with Fernandez and Hannibal, while include options to bring them back.
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