Real Madrid have identified former Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez as a priority transfer target for Xabi Alonso this summer.
Alonso will resign from his position as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen at the conclusion of the current season and will move to the Spanish capital to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to take over as the manager of the Brazil national team.
The Spaniard has primarily employed a three-at-the-back formation during his time in Germany, a strategy he intends to implement at Real Madrid, where Trent Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to fill the right-side position. Real Madrid is also considering Benfica’s standout player, Fernandez, for the left-side role.
According to Marca, Los Blancos are currently in a favorable position to acquire the 22-year-old. Although his release clause is set at €50 million, Real Madrid aims to negotiate a reduced price. Fernandez was once part of Real Madrid’s youth setup before transferring to Manchester United in 2020.
Despite making a strong impression while on loan at Preston in the Championship and playing for the Under-23 team, he departed Old Trafford without making a senior appearance. After an initial loan period with Benfica last season, he signed a permanent contract with the Portuguese club last summer for a mere £5 million.
Fernandez has had an outstanding first season in Portugal, leading to frustration among fans regarding the club’s decision to sell him ‘for peanuts’ last summer, with several top European clubs now showing interest. Manchester United retains a buyback option believed to be £15 million, which will expire at the end of the year.
The Premier League has been observing Fernandez’s development this season, but they acquired Patrick Dorgu in January, while Harry Amass has also demonstrated potential on the left flank.
Despite the buyback clause, Real would appear to have the upper hand with the report claiming Fernandez does not want to return to England.
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