Erik ten Hag drops Man United transfer hint over former Preston star sold for €6m amid buyback clause
He spent the 2022/23 season at Deepdale
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has not ruled out resigning Alvaro Fernandez.
The former Preston North End loan star joined Benfica in the summer, with the Portuguese giants triggering their option to sign him permanently. Last season, Fernandez joined Granada on loan - but then made the switch to Benfica in January, on a temporary basis.
They then paid a reported €6million, plus €3m in add-ons, to sign the Spaniard in the summer. Fernandez has played regularly this campaign and won Man of the Match, in Benfica’s win against Athletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Huge clubs have been linked with a move for the defender - including Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid - but ten Hag insists United are very much keeping an eye on his progress. The Old Trafford club have a buyback option, which is said to be active until the 2026 summer transfer window.
“I think the process is perfect,” said ten Hag. “We loan him to Preston, he got back, then we loan him to Granada. He didn't play so much there and of course we, all the time, observed him and now we had the opportunity to sell him. But we have a buy-back, so we have control of the situation. I think that's what he needed.
“From Preston, then go to La Liga, go to Portugal, every time stepping up to a higher club and a better league. Now, we have to see and assess the situation if he can be an option for us. But playing at Man United is not so easy. Playing in the Premier League for Manchester United is not so easy. You need experience, also development. You get development from playing for better clubs and in better leagues.”