Man United could rue transfer mistake as Real Madrid and Barcelona target youngster they sold for £5m
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Manchester United may live to regret letting one talented starlet go with two of world football’s biggest names now circling.
The Red Devils allowed Alvaro Fernandez to leave the club in January this year in order to join Benfica.
But according to reports in Portugal, he’s now firmly on the radar of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Both sides see left-back as an area to strengthen, with the 21-year-old Spaniard emerging as an option.
Fernandez left Man United for Benfica on an initial loan deal earlier this year, with that move made permanent for a fee of £5million over the summer.
Since then, Fernandez has made nine appearances this term with Benfica winning seven, drawing one and losing just one.
That £5million deal is looking like a disaster for Man United based on the caliber of his performances.
That said, the Red Devils do hold a buy back option which they may look to trigger if he continues to impress.
Left back has proven to be a troubled position so far this term too, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia long-term absentees.
Fernandez, who has been capped eight times at under-21 level for Spain, spent three years in Real Madrid’s youth setup before joining Man United in 2020.
While never making a senior appearance for the Premier League side, Fernandez did play 14 times during a loan spell with Granada.
He also made 42 appearances during a season on loan with Preston in 2022/23.
In that campaign, he won the club’s young player of the year award thanks to his impressive displays.
Of course stepping up to life with Real Madrid or Barcelona would be a different challenge altogether.
Benfica currently sit third in Liga Portugal, while they’ve also won two games out of two in the Champions League league phase.
This has included a 2-1 win over Red Star Belgrade and a 4-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid.
Playing every minute of those games, Alvarez clearly looks at home in the Champions League – something that could serve him well if life at one of world football’s biggest clubs awaits.
