Man Utd have a £17m option to re-sign Alvaro Fernandez. (Image: Getty)
Benfica left-back Alvaro Fernandez has confirmed that inserted a buy-back clause in his contract amid strong links to an return. Fernandez left the Red Devils in the summer, turning a loan move to Benfica permanent following previous stints at Preston North End and Granada.
United received just £5million for the 21-year-old despite his glowing reputation and the club’s seemingly endless left-back injury crisis, leaving many supporters bemused.
Fernandez garnered rave reviews across his youth career at Carrington after joining from in 2020, the same summer as arrival from .
However, the Spain Under-21 international surprisingly didn’t add his name to the illustrious list of 251 academy players to make their first-team debut.
spent a significant period of his two-and-a-half-year reign as United manager without a recognised left-back.
Luke Shaw’s relentless injury woes over the last decade are well-known, while Tyrell Malacia last played for the club in the final match of the 2022/23 season.
But Ten Hag deemed Fernandez surplus to requirements, which ultimately spawned his exit for Lisbon on a permanent transfer.
United reportedly slipped a £17m buy-back option into the deal, though, which hasn’t been forgotten amid Shaw and Malacia’s continued absence.
Alvaro Fernandez didn’t make his Man Utd debut. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
And Fernandez, who has established himself as a crucial player for Benfica, has confirmed that his former club have the option to re-sign him if they wish.
However, the defensive starlet has insisted he is settled at the Estadio do Benfica after penning a long-term contract until 2029.
“I have people close to me, and they are the ones who look at it more. To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it,” Fernandez told .
“I’m focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days. It’s always nice to have teams call you, and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here.
“United have a signed purchase option, but I’m very happy here. I have a five-year contract with Benfica.
“I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow.”
Fernandez would have undoubtedly caught the attention of new United boss during his reign as Sporting boss.
And with the left-wing-back role pivotal to Amorim’s trademark 3-4-3 system, it wouldn’t be surprising if he addresses it as a priority next year.