Roland Cutinho
Spanish club Granada CF are showing keen interest in Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez
According to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, La Liga side Granada CF are in discussions with Manchester United regarding a potential loan deal for left-back Alvaro Fernandez.
The Spanish club is keen on bringing him in, and talks have also revolved around the possibility of including an option to buy the 20-year-old at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Burnley are keeping tabs on Fernandez as their manager, Vincent Kompany, seeks to bolster his squad before the summer transfer window closes next week.
The young full-back joined Man United from Real Madrid in 2020 on a four-year contract and was a regular player for the under-23 team in his debut season.
In 2022, he won United’s Under-23 Player of the Year award and spent the previous season on loan at Preston North End, where he made 42 appearances and provided six assists.
Erik ten Hag gave Fernandez an opportunity to showcase his skills during United’s pre-season preparations. The defender was particularly impressive in a friendly against Leeds United, catching the attention of the Dutch manager.
However, his lack of experience in the Premier League (PL) has slowed his progress at the club, leading to his absence from the starting lineup at the beginning of the new season.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are already in contention for the left-back position, and Brandon Williams is also ahead of the young Spanish talent. Additionally, Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot possesses the flexibility to play as a left-back.
Newly promoted La Liga side Granada are interested in providing the attacking-minded full-back with a chance to play in the top flight of Spanish football.
They are seeking cost-effective signings to strengthen their bid for survival. The Nazaries are facing defensive issues that need urgent attention if they aim to secure their La Liga status beyond the upcoming summer, and United might play a role in facilitating this move.
However, in our opinion, the Red Devils should prefer to keep the player in the Premier League, Burnley could be a more suitable club for the youngster. The Clarets are actively searching for a new left-back, having returned Ian Maatsen to Chelsea as his loan deal came to an end.
Possessing the attacking skills commonly seen in modern full-backs, Fernandez could potentially gain from a season at another PL club. This move would allow him to challenge himself against stronger opponents in a higher-level competition.
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His time at Preston, where he often played as a wing-back, was highly commendable, and it would be logical for him to now gain exposure to PL football for the first time.
This experience could prepare him for a possible full integration into United’s first-team squad in the coming years.
