Portuguese giants Benfica have made former Preston North End loanee Alvaro Fernandez their primary target for the upcoming transfer window, according to O JOGO.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at La Liga outfit Granada from Manchester United after impressing during his stint at Deepdale last season. Operating primarily as a left-back, the young Spaniard joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid on a four-year deal in 2020 and has been widely tipped to become a regular in the Spanish set up.
Fernandez shone in the Championship with Preston, making 42 appearances in all competitions and picking up the club’s Young Player of the Year award. It was this form which earned him a place in the Red Devils pre-season tour in the summer and Burnley were also keen on taking the defender on a temporary deal before Granada eventually secured his services.
He has featured 13 times for the Nazaríes and has been used further up the field at times. Whilst he has been in and out of the team, Benfica have identified the youngster as their primary transfer target, and it is claimed that they have made contact with both Manchester United and Granada to find out if they are able to break the current season-long agreement.
🔥 Surprised this isn't in the shape of a goat to be honest… 🐐
Take a look at Álvaro Fernández's heat map from the weekend. 👇#pnefc pic.twitter.com/zxnzW6mPb0
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) October 10, 2022
It is also stated that Benfica are willing to wait until the summer should they fail in their attempt to tempt Manchester United into selling next month, with his contract due to expire in the summer. However, the 20-time English champions do hold the option to extend by an additional year, although Fernandez would be free to talk to overseas clubs at the turn of the year should that clause not be triggered.
Benfica are chasing a second successive league title and currently sit top of the table. They will also kick off their Europa League campaign in February against Toulouse after dropping out of the Champions League earlier this month – a competition they have won twice.
Writer’s View
Manchester United are unlikely to sanction a permanent exit of the young starlet and he is considered the long-term successor to current left-back Luke Shaw. Erik ten Hag will be happy to see Fernandez getting game time in one of Europe’s top leagues and may look at implementing him into his squad next season.
However, Shaw is considered one of the best left-backs in world football and is likely to be first choice at Old Trafford for seasons to come. This may play a part in any decision, with the player feeling he is on the cusp of breaking into the international setup. He may not be willing to play second fiddle, although another loan move – this time to a team likely to be playing in the Champions League next season – could be an option.
Head of Writing
