Manchester United's defender Alvaro Fernandez appears to be on the verge of a move to Portuguese powerhouse Benfica in a deal worth €6m (£5.1m) during the impending summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old, who completed a loan stint at Granada in the first half of the 2023-24 season, participating in 14 matches across various competitions, subsequently joined Benfica on loan in January.
Benfica had an obligation to pay €6m (£5.1m) for Fernandez if he featured in 50% of their matches from his arrival until the season's conclusion.
However, the defender's appearances have fallen below expectations, tallying only 13 outings, with just two starts in the Primeira Liga.
Despite this, Benfica remains enthusiastic about securing Fernandez on a permanent basis, as reported by Manchester World, impressed by his performances and gearing up for a permanent move.
Manchester United purportedly retains a buyback option and a sell-on clause, indicating potential for their involvement in Fernandez's future, whether through reacquisition or benefiting from subsequent transfers following his permanent move to Benfica.
Although Fernandez has yet to make a first-team appearance for Manchester United, he demonstrated his capabilities during a loan stint at Preston North End in the 2022-23 campaign.
Manchester United has encountered challenges at the left-back position this season, with Luke Shaw sidelined due to muscular issues and Tyrell Malacia ruled out for the entirety of the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury.
Considering these concerns, Manchester United is anticipated to pursue a young left-back in the upcoming transfer window.
With Shaw and Malacia sidelined, and Fernandez and Brandon Williams out on loan, the club aims to reinforce the left-back position to enhance its squad depth.