Man United star sold on cheap ‘wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona’ amid transfer clause -Report

Man United star sold on cheap ‘wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona’ amid transfer clause -Report

Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing former Manchester United starlet Alvaro Fernandez with the Premier League giants also considering bringing him back to Old Trafford.

At the age of sixteen, Fernandez became a member of United’s youth divisions, rising through the ranks and making an impression when on loan at Preston in the 2022–2023 season.

He was unable to make his senior debut for the team in spite of such encouraging performances.

He initially signed a five-year contract with the Portuguese powerhouse Benfica in January for a relatively low fee of £5 million. In the summer, the loan agreement was extended to a permanent one.

Fernandez has established himself as a starter for Benfica this year, and earlier this month, he put on an incredible performance when they defeated Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League.

After that performance, United supporters regretted their choice to trade him for “peanuts,” especially because left-back is still a problem position with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw.

The 21-year-old’s performances have caught the attention of Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the Spanish giants closely monitoring his progress, O Jogo report.

United are also keeping tabs on the player they let leave the club just five months ago. The deal that took him to Lisbon included a buyback clause which United could decide to activate should he continue to impress in Portugal.

Atletico Madrid also maintain interest in the left-back with reports in Italy claiming Juventus are also monitoring the situation.

Fernandez has played 90 minutes in seven consecutive Benfica games with his side undefeated in that run, dropping points in just one game.

His consistency in that position comes as United again struggle at left-back. Right-back Diogo Dalot has filled in on that side this season with Shaw and Malacia still out. Shaw is recovering from a calf problem and while there is hope he will be back this month, Erik ten Hag has been reluctant to put a precise timeline on his return.

United’s issues in that area have only grown more complicated with Noussair Mazraoui expected to be out for the rest of the month after undergoing a minor heart procedure.

His absence could force Erik ten Hag to utilise Victor Lindelof at right-back. Switching Dalot back to his natural role and deploying Lisandro Martinez at left-back is another option.