Manchester United are reportedly set to include a buy-back clause in the imminent deal that will see Alvaro Fernandez join Benfica on a permanent basis.
Fernandez joined Benfica during the January transfer window after United cut short his temporary spell in Spain with Granada.
His time in Portugal started under difficult circumstances as he struggled to convince coach Roger Schmidt that he was able to be included in the club’s starting XI.
However, in the past few weeks, Fernandez’s stock appears to be at an all-time high. He recently scored his first goal for the Eagles as they comfortably beat league rivals Farense in a 3-1 victory.
The United loanee’s performance on that occasion earned him praise from some of Portugal’s biggest newspapers, who encouraged Benfica to make his stay a permanent one.
Late last month, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Benfica were poised to trigger the €6million (£5.1m) clause in his contract to sign him permanently.
This was then confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano who wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Benfica are still planning to trigger the buy option clause for Álvaro Fernández, almost €6m to Manchester United.”
“Plans have not changed as he’s doing well and Benfica are expected to proceed even before the scheduled date.”
🔴🇪🇸 Benfica are still planning to trigger the buy option clause for Álvaro Fernández, almost €6m to Manchester United.
Plans have not changed as he’s doing well and Benfica are expected to proceed even before the scheduled date. pic.twitter.com/hxGPNrnZ0Q
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 1, 2024
According to A Bola, United don’t want to lose complete control over the future of their academy graduate and have moved to insert a buy-back clause.
The news outlet states that United “will continue to pay attention” to Fernandez and the 20-time English champions will retain a “repurchase option” for the talented full-back.
It’s understood that Erik ten Hag’s side are firmly aware of the “scope of evolution” of the 21-year-old and they do “not wish to lose sight” of him even as he undertakes a new path away from the safety net of Old Trafford.
A Bola further note that the financial value of United’s buy-back clause is currently undisclosed.
In addition to the clause to buy him back for a fixed amount, United could also have the option to match any offers that are made for him in the future.
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