Manchester United are in line for another financial boost this week as former defender Alvaro Fernandez prepares to complete a transfer to Real Madrid. The Red Devils have struggled to generate funds through player sales so far this summer, but they have enjoyed success through sell-on clauses in ex-players' contracts.
Around £6million landed in the books from Anthony Elanga's £55million switch to Newcastle United, two years after he left Old Trafford for Nottingham Forest. Now, Ruben Amorim looks set for another much-needed cash influx worth approximately £7m as Fernandez seals a dream return to Madrid.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real will unveil the 22-year-old as their latest signing this week as Xabi Alonso continues to reshape his squad.
It is claimed that the Spanish left-back has already travelled to the country from Portugal, and an official statement could arrive within the next day if the process goes to plan.
Real are believed to be paying a £43m fee in multiple instalments, which could limit the total that United receive this summer.
But Fernandez's sell-on clause will contribute to bolstering Amorim's transfer kitty as he seeks an end to the Bryan Mbeumo saga.
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United included a buy-back clause worth around £15m in the academy graduate's contract when he joined Benfica last summer.
The M16 giants considered re-signing Fernandez in January as Amorim scoured the market for a left-wing-back for his 3-4-3 system.
He ultimately opted to pay an initial £25m to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, with Fernandez settled and thriving at Benfica.
Real were also made to wait for United to confirm they did not intend to trigger that clause this summer before receiving the green light to complete the signing.
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That confirmation has now arrived, leaving Alonso in position to secure one of his priority targets at the start of a new era at the Bernabeu.
Fernandez accumulated 64 appearances for Benfica after joining on an initial loan in January 2024, registering five goals and six assists.
He was highly rated among United's academy staff but did not make his senior debut for the club, despite an impressive loan at Preston North End in the 2022/23 season.
Fernandez featured in two of Benfica's four FIFA Club World Cup matches this summer but is now in the clear to seal his switch.