Manchester United left-back Alvaro Fernandez is closing in on a surprise permanent transfer to Benfica this month, according to reports in Portugal. The Red Devils could be planning to use the fee to fund a swoop for VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy before the January transfer deadline.
Fernandez has spent the first half of the season on loan at La Liga outfit Granada, and the expectation was for him to return to Old Trafford in the summer and fight for his place.
However, the talented 20-year-old now looks set the permanently leave United, having yet to make his competitive senior debut.
According to Record, Benfica have reached an agreement to sign Fernandez, with only the final details remaining to straighten out before he signs his contract.
It’s claimed that the Spain U21 international was Benfica’s priority as they look to strengthen their left-back options this winter.
The report adds that the deal is expected to be worth around £8.5million. It remains to be seen whether United will include a sell-on or buy-back clause in Fernandez’s contract.
He has made 14 appearances for Granada this season, just six of them starts. Last season, Fernandez was named Preston North End’s Young Player of the Season after playing 42 times for the Championship outfit.
Fernandez could be set to become the latest starlet to join the prestigious ranks at Benfica, though.
The Portuguese champions have a strong track record of investing in young players, perhaps hinting at the quality and potential the Red Devils man possesses.
United could be sanctioning the permanent deal with the view of raising emergency funds to back Ten Hag with a new striker before the transfer deadline.
The Dutchman is in desperate need of more goals in his squad, with too many senior stars underperforming in the final third this season.
Only Burnley and Sheffield United have scored fewer goals than United in the Premier League. Luton Town are among the 17 clubs boasting a higher tally.
But with Anthony Martial expected to remain at Old Trafford and run down his contract before leaving as a free agent in July, United find themselves cash-strapped after another summer of heavy spending.
Fernandez’s departure could free up enough budget to green-light a swoop for Stuttgart’s Guirassy, who has caught the eye with his prolific form this season.
In November, Foot Mercato reported that the Guinean frontman was on United’s winter shortlist, and the £15m release clause in his contract represents a bargain, given his form.
Guirassy, 27, has scored 17 Bundesliga goals already this season. Only Harry Kane (21) and Kylian Mbappe (18) have scored more among Europe’s top leagues.
He could be the answer to United’s goal woes, and Fernandez’s imminent departure could pave the way.
