Benfica enter race to sign Manchester United loanee

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SL Benfica are keen on signing Manchester United left-back, who has had a mixed time in La Liga this season, Alvaro Fernandez.

Alvaro Fernandez was incredibly unfortunate to not have featured more for Manchester United prior to the loan move to Granada which was completed in late August.

Luke Shaw suffered a muscular injury which kept him out until November and Tyrell Malacia suffered a serious knee injury, it looked like the Spaniard was to be given a chance.

Instead, Erik ten Hag decided to sign Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon on loan for the season but that temporary deal looks like it could be terminated in the winter window.

Benfica eyeing United star

Well, according to a report from O Jogo, Portuguese giants SL Benfica are eyeing the Spanish left-back ahead of a move in the January window, with a permanent transfer being sought after.

The Spanish left-back has played less than 500 minutes for the struggling La Liga side but has looked promising when he has featured for Granada.

However, Benfica are hoping to take advantage of the left-back’s lack of first-team minutes in Spain or England and potentially bring the 20-year-old into the club in the winter window.

Incredibly, United reportedly only value the defender at around £5 million, which for a player of his talents seems to be a ridiculously cheap valuation.

The Portuguese giants are reportedly unhappy with their defensive options and hope to strike a deal at the beginning of 2024.

United have to keep Fernandez

Despite the left-back playing less than 500 minutes for Granada, he has won a huge amount of aerial duels (1.78 per 90, the 12th most in Europe’s top five leagues) and showed his attacking qualities with 2.21 successful take-ons per 90 minutes (the second best in the top five leagues).

He may be raw but selling him to the Portuguese side for such a small price, when Benfica have a track record of turning players like Fernandez into world-beaters, seems like a massive risk.

His contract expires in June of 2024 but United do have an option of a further year. After doing so well at EFL Championship side Preston last season, Fernandez’s qualities are obvious. He needs another loan.