Romano confirms United loanee’s transfer will be made permanent ‘before the scheduled date’

Manchester United youngster Alvaro Fernandez will officially become a Benfica player at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has started just four out of a possible 24 matches since joining the side in the January window, meaning the obligation for Benfica to sign him if he started 50 per cent of games cannot be fulfilled. However, they are still choosing to activate the buy clause.

United stand to make €6 million (£5.1m) in what will presumably be a straightforward transaction between the two clubs. It will come as a boost for the club’s Financial Fair Play barrier, given that they acquired Fernandez on a free transfer in 2020.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Benfica aim to sanction the deal ‘before the scheduled date’.

🔴🇪🇸 Benfica are still planning to trigger the buy option clause for Álvaro Fernández, almost €6m to Manchester United.

Plans have not changed as he’s doing well and Benfica are expected to proceed even before the scheduled date. pic.twitter.com/hxGPNrnZ0Q

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 1, 2024

Fernandez may have been useful for depth this season

Aside from his recent spell with the Portugal outfit, the young Spaniard also gained experience with Preston North End and Granada, the latter of which was cut short so that he could join Benfica.

Fans initially bemoaned the decision to allow Fernandez, who never made a first-team appearance, to leave mid-season, as it came at a time when Erik ten Hag had only Luke Shaw available at left-back, with Tyrell Malacia sidelined long-term.

Shaw then went on to also sustain a lengthy injury setback, which has since led to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof deputising on the left flank.