Done deal: Man United closing on another January transfer deal as player is undergoing medical now

Record (page 8) reports that Benfica has agreed to sign Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez on a loan deal that includes a buyout option.

The left-back was on loan at Granada for the first half of the current season. He is now authorized to go to Benfica for his medical examination.

The 20-year-old will sign a contract with the Portuguese champions that is only valid through the summer. They have an obligation to buy him for €8 million.

The Record has not specified any other clauses. According to the publication, later today the Red Devils graduate will sign his contract and have his medical.

Benfica will begin covering the cost in the 2024–2025 campaign.

Benfica is expected to lose Fernandez to United.
Despite being one of the academy’s greatest young players, Fernandez has struggled to make an impression on the starting lineup because of fierce competition.

Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot are all capable of playing left back. During his career’s development phase, Fernandez most likely made the right choice.

It remains to be seen if United has agreed to include a potential sell-on clause in the defender’s transfer, despite reports to the contrary.

The Red Devils would also prefer a buy-back option, though that seems unlikely. As Benfica looks to win another title, Fernandez should be assured of regular starts.

Whether United made the right decision will only become clear in due course. It would be a mistake to leave Benfica if Fernandez goes on to become a world-beater and joins a larger team.