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Man Utd confirm first summer transfer deal as European giants trigger purchase option on former Real Madrid academy star
Manchester United have confirmed that youngster Alvaro Fernandez has joined Benfica on a permanent deal following a loan spell with the Portuguese giants.
The left-back, who joined United from Real Madrid’s academy in 2020, never made a first-team appearance for the Red Devils. Last season, the 21-year-old was on loan at Benfica, who had an option to make the move permanent. United have now confirmed that Fernandez has signed for the Lisbon outfit.
The Spain under-21 international had a successful loan spell at Championship side Preston North End during the 2022-23 season and then spent the first half of this season with Granada, making 14 appearances. He then joined Benfica, where he played 16 matches and scored one goal. Despite injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw at left-back, Fernandez was not called upon by United.
According to the Metro, Fernandez—who was Preston’s Young Player of the Year in 2023—has joined Benfica for approximately £5.1 million ($6.45 million) and signed a five-year contract until the summer of 2029.
Following his departure, a club statement read: “Everyone at United would like to wish Alvaro all the best of luck in the future and will be keeping an eye on his progress.” It remains to be seen whether United will look to bolster their full-back options in the summer transfer window, which officially reopens on June 14, after offloading Fernandez.