LIVERPOOL TARGET FORMER MU DEFENDER ALVARO FERNANDEZ

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing former Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez as they look to strengthen their options at left-back. Fernandez, who never made a senior appearance for United, left the club this summer after Benfica activated their £5 million option-to-buy clause following a successful loan spell last season.

The 21-year-old Spaniard spent four years at Old Trafford but found first-team opportunities limited. His most notable experience during his time with Manchester United came during the 2022/23 campaign when he was loaned out to Preston North End in the Championship. Despite solid performances there, Fernandez couldn’t break into United’s first team and was subsequently sent to Benfica, where he has continued to impress.

Fernandez’s performances in Portugal have reportedly attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, the latter being where he began his youth career. Now, according to Spanish outlet *AS*, Liverpool have joined the race to sign the young defender. The report claims Liverpool are “stalking” Fernandez and have shown the most interest so far as they search for a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.

Liverpool’s interest in Fernandez highlights their ambition to find a suitable successor to Robertson, who has been a key figure in their defense for several years. With the 29-year-old Robertson edging closer to his 30s, Liverpool are keen to secure a younger option who could eventually take over the left-back position. Fernandez, with his promising performances at Benfica, seems to fit the profile of what Liverpool are looking for.

This wouldn’t be the first time Liverpool and Benfica have done business. In 2022, Liverpool signed Darwin Nunez from the Portuguese club in a high-profile deal, beating Manchester United to the Uruguayan striker’s signature. However, negotiating for Fernandez might prove challenging, as he is under contract with Benfica until 2029. His release clause is not widely known, which gives Benfica significant leverage over any potential deal.

For Manchester United, Fernandez’s departure now looks like a missed opportunity, especially considering their current injury crisis at left-back. Both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are sidelined with injuries, leaving Erik ten Hag short of options in that area. United’s defensive depth has been further weakened by news that full-back Noussair Mazraoui is undergoing a minor heart procedure, adding to the club’s concerns at full-back.

While United could potentially regret letting Fernandez leave, Liverpool appear to be the club most interested in capitalizing on his development. Whether or not this interest will materialize into a formal bid remains to be seen, but Fernandez’s future is certainly one to watch as clubs across Europe monitor his progress in Portugal.