The future of Alvaro Fernandez remains up in the air.
Portuguese outlet Record suggested earlier today that Benfica were planning to secure the signing of the Spanish full-back in the next few hours.
Fernandez, 20, is currently enjoying a season-long loan at Granada from United.
However, the Reds have the option of breaking the agreement in January, which would allow them sell him to another club in a bid to make a profit on the player. It would also help with United’s Financial Fair Play complications and allow the club to spend more money in the transfer window.
The news has also been reported by respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, who claims Fernandez is set to have his temporary deal terminated and is set to return to Old Trafford before departing in a permanent switch to Portugal.
However, in recent hours the transfer has taken yet another turn with the Italian reporter claiming that it might just be a loan exit and not a sale as previously expected.
🔴 Conversations between Benfica and Man United on final details for Álvaro Fernández deal still ongoing.
❗️ It could be different formula and no longer permanent transfer.
Talks taking place today, it remains close to being done — more to follow. https://t.co/KTP1aW5Wej
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024
Fernandez is out of contract at the end of the season and it remains to be seen if United have any plans to offer him fresh terms.
Whatever United decide to do, it would be a shame not to get a buy-back or sell-on clause at the very least.
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Selling off young talent has to stop somewhere