Barcelona join rivals Real Madrid in purist of former Manchester United defender: Reports

Barcelona have joined their rivals Real Madrid in the race to sign Alvaro Fernandez, who was sold by Manchester United reportedly for £5 million last summer, according to Caughtoffside.

The Red Devils sold the 21-year-old to Benfica. However, since he joined the Portuguese side, his performance has been decent as he has been able to cement his spot in Benfica's starting XI.

In seven league appearances, Fernandez has won 37 out of 58 ground duels and he has likewise won 10 aerial duels. In as similar fashion, he has registered 13 tackles and have made nine defensive clearances. Hence, putting him on the radar of some big-money clubs.

When you take a look at Real Madrid's squad, it can be stated that their interest in signing Fernandez could be tied to the contract situation of Ferland Mendy as the Frenchman's contract is expected to come to an end next summer. Hence, Real Madrid might be looking to add a fresh player, who could bring something new to the left-back position.

However, Barcelona might just be looking to explore the Spaniards talent as both Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin have been decent at left-back in the ongoing 2024-25 campaign.

It is important to state that Benfica might be unwilling to sell the youngster as his qualities has made him the first choice left-back option in recent times.

On the flip side, TeamTalk had earlier reported that Manchester United are currently considering triggering the buy back option in the Spaniards contract due to the squad's struggle at left-back. As this can be attributed to the injury challenge of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

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Would Manchester United trigger the buy back option in Fernandez's contract?

SL Benfica v Casa Pia AC - Liga Portugal Betclic - Source: Getty

When you take a look at the current Manchester United squad, you would notice that the club have been unable to feature their first and second choice left-back options due to injury.

As Erik ten Hag have had to move Diogo Dalot to the left-back position, and this have not played out well, as Dalot has struggled to adapt at left-back.

Similarly, Noussair Mazraoui is currently injured and it has been reported that the right-back would be out for some weeks. Hence, leaving Manchester United with only one available full-back option.

As reported by Manchester Evening News, there's a buy back option which was inserted by Manchester United in Fernandez's sale to Benfica. Hence, the Red Devils could be willing to bring him back, given the recent fitness situation in their defense.