Manchester United are monitoring the development of Valencia academy star Hugo Fernandez.
Since Harry Maguire faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, with his contract set to expire in the summer unless the defender is rewarded with a new deal, it’s a good time for the club to seek alternative options in the market.
It could be argued that United are well covered in defence. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are both sitting on the bench as Michael Carrick prefers a central pairing of Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
However, with Maguire a key member of the team, a potential departure gives United something to think about.
What are your thoughts on Manchester United’s supposed interest in Sandro Tonali?
Where should he rank in comparison to other central midfield targets?
Maguire is 32 and won’t be getting any younger, so if he stays, United should be weighing up their options for the defensive department.
This should also give Heaven and Yoro encouragement to fight for their place in the team, especially if there are more promising defenders set to join the club.
Man Utd ‘persistent’ in race for Hugo Fernandez
Ineos have been eager to bring more young talent to United since taking control of football operations.
That has been clear with arrivals like Chido Obi and Sekou Kone, after both strengthened the academy.
Kone joined Lausanne-Sport on loan in Switzerland until the end of the season, while Obi continues to shine for United’s youth teams.
Esport Base’s Valencia-based journalist Salva Gomis now claims United are one of three Premier League clubs to have inquired about Valencia academy prospect Hugo Fernandez.
United are reportedly the ‘most persistent’ of the English teams to have inquired over Fernandez. The other two clubs include Arsenal and Chelsea.
Unlike Maguire or other potential defensive signings, Fernandez has yet to be tested at the senior level, but he is attracting lots of attention for his performances at the academy level for Valencia.
Valencia have been praised for a long time for developing top players, so they will hope to make a maximum profit from signing Fernandez.
Ayden Heaven was a BARGAIN… How much is he worth now?
Everything we know about Hugo Fernandez
Fernandez is a centre-back who is regarded as one of the jewels of Valencia’s academy, so the Spanish club will be reluctant to lose the 17-year-old.
Valencia are understood to be delighted with the young Spaniard’s progression in the youth teams, leading to training sessions with the first team, but it sounds like they will need to fight off interest from the Premier League. He joined them from Real Sociedad two and a half years ago.
Fernandez has started 12 of 13 matches at U19 level this term. He is under contract at Valencia until June 2027 with an option to extend until 2029.
No official offers have been made for Fernandez yet.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
