Benfica ‘aiming’ for second Man United academy grad following Alvaro Fernandez transfer

According to reports, Benfica are aiming to sign a second Manchester United academy graduate after securing Alvaro Fernandez on a permanent deal.

Manchester United want to sell several high-value players this summer as INEOS look to raise the funds to perform what Ralf Rangnick once dubbed “open heart surgery” on Erik ten Hag‘s squad.

With several declining talents, such as Casemiro, needing shifting and those like Jadon Sancho better off elsewhere, the club need to raise over £100 million this summer to complete new inbounds as soon as possible ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

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United are also looking to sell some academy graduates who they feel will not make the progression to the first team this summer. One who has already left is Alvaro Fernandez.

Fernandez signed for Liga Portugal club Benfica on loan in January. After an initially poor start, performances toward the end of the season convinced the Portuguese club to trigger the £6 million buy option in the contract, which could rise to around £9 million with add-ons.

However, following the signing of Fernandez, Benfica are now eyeing a second talent to come out of Carrington – Mason Greenwood.

According to the outlet Record, Benfica are ‘preparing to attack’ for Greenwood’s signature this summer. Although the claim states he is valued at £13 million, it has been widely reported that United want between £30-35 million for him this summer.

The report adds that Rui Pedro Braz, Benfica’s sporting director, travelled to Madrid to speak with Greenwood and his father and inform them Benfica are keen on his signature.

Greenwood spent last season on loan at La Liga club Getafe, where he has had a successful season. He has played 36 times, scored 10 goals, and provided six assists. Despite his imminent return to United, he will likely be sold this summer.

Juventus are another club who have been heavily linked to the English winger, and a report on Friday claimed that he has already “said yes” to the hypothetical move.

However, the Serie A club are said to feel United’s asking price is too high, so are now considering which players they would be happy to include in a potential swap deal.

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