Manchester United are no stranger to homecomings for former players with the transfer of Paul Pogba a primary example and Alvaro Fernandez has now quickly become a contender for another.
Alvaro Fernandez was sold to FC Benfica for just £5 million in the summer after Erik ten Hag didn’t see a future for him at Manchester United.
Benfica clearly thought different, as evidenced by president Rui Costa waxing lyrical about Fernandez when the move was confirmed.
Their prediction came true soon after the move, with the player taking to the league and his new club by storm, quickly establishing himself as a future star.
Fernandez’s dazzling displays in the Champions League haunt United and at a time where they continue to play without a natural left-back, the temptation for the Benfica man has become obvious.
TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey reveals the club’s stance on a potential Fernandez homecoming.
Man Utd’s stance on Alvaro Fernandez return
Manchester United hold all the aces in this chase if they choose to make a move because of the smart clauses negotiated during his exit.
Man Utd’s Alvaro Fernandez buy-back clause gives them a £25 million advantage in the race for his signature until the summer of 2026.
Fernandez’s Benfica release clause for other teams is much higher than it is for United so if the player can be convinced of a move, that is a straightforward deal to make.
Graeme Bailey gives the lowdown on United’s stance on the move and it is not one that is particularly surprising, but difficult to understand nonetheless.
He revealed: “We are told that United have no desire to bring him back at this point – indeed they are keeping tabs on him due to the buy-back which they could use in the future to make money on him, but as it stands, the current United staff don’t see a future for him at Old Trafford.”
Fernandez was sold in the summer when United had no fit left-backs, a situation that hasn’t changed nearly three months into the season.
Therefore, it doesn’t surprise that they don’t see a future for him at Old Trafford but the part about making money on him is interesting since he’s already attracting interest from European elites.
Fernandez eyed by European elites
It is a practice mastered by the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City, and it is long overdue that United enter this game too.
Fernandez is of interest to Barcelona and Real Madrid, a marker of true quality in the football world if there was any, while United’s fierce rivals Liverpool have also been linked to Fernandez.
If Fernandez keeps up his sterling form this season, then United could cash in on the scenario by buying him back from Benfica for their nominal buy-back fee only to sell him on for a profit.
Portuguese outlet Record reports that Fernandez’s preference is for a move to Real Madrid so even selling him eventually for his release clause at Benfica would net United £25 million in profit.
Furthermore, United were recently linked to Alphonso Davies, and Madrid are competitors in that chase. Giving them Fernandez will free their route to Davies while also giving them extra cash.
In any case, a sell-on clause on the exit means United will receive a portion of the fee from his sale but buying him back and selling him on is the ideal scenario.
Considering United’s financial worries, it is no surprise they look at Fernandez as a money-making asset more than a contributor on the field.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
