According to Spanish outlet AS journalist Marco Ruiz, Benfica have set a price tag between €40 million and €50 million for Álvaro Fernández, with Manchester United set to earn €18 million from the deal.
Álvaro Fernández is a player Real Madrid are keen to sign. Negotiations between Real Madrid and Benfica are already in the final stages, and Manchester United—who hold a buy-back option—have approved the transfer. Benfica and Madrid are currently discussing the final fee, which is expected to fall between €40M and €50M.
Benfica insist on a minimum transfer fee of €40M but hope to receive €50M to satisfy their fans. Benfica initially paid Manchester United €6M for A. Fernández, and under the terms of the deal with Madrid, €18M of the fee will go to United.
Álvaro Fernández has been approved by Xabi Alonso, who requested the signing of this left-back. He intends to use Fernández in his favored system with three central defenders: Arnold on the right, Fernández on the left, and the recent signing of Heijsen in the center. This defensive setup would be completely revamped, and even Dani Carvajal would have a role as the third center-back on the right.
Real Madrid and Benfica are close to reaching an agreement for A. Fernández, but the official announcement is expected only after Benfica face Sporting CP in the domestic cup final. A complication remains: Benfica are reluctant to let the player leave before the Club World Cup, where they are grouped with Boca Juniors, Auckland City, and Bayern Munich. This remains a key issue to resolve.