Man Utd clause Erik ten Hag revealed could scupper £41m Liverpool transfer plans

Liverpool’s chances of signing Benfica star Alvaro Fernandez could be scuppered by , who in the transfer market.

Fernandez has been catching the eye of scouts in recent weeks, having scored in his last two league matches for Benfica, despite playing at left-back. The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for the Portuguese giants this season, contributing two goals and two assists in 16 games so far.

He in the summer transfer window for just £5million following a successful loan spell last season. That fee now looks like a bargain, with , monitoring his progress.

Fernandez originally joined United as a 16-year-old from in 2020, but left after growing frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities. that United were still keeping a close eye on his progress – and that could be decisive if Liverpool make a move.

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Portuguese outlet O Jogo have reported that Liverpool are extremely interested in his services as they look for a long-term successor to Andy Robertson at left-back. Fernandez is under contract with Benfica until June 2029 and his release clause is reportedly fixed at €50million (£41m).

However, were United to sign him for a second time, it would be for considerably less. Ten Hag revealed last month that United inserted a buy-back clause when they sold Fernandez to Benfica and that is for a much more reasonable fee of €20m (£16m), according to Record.

Ten Hag said: “I think the process is perfect. We loan him to Preston, he got back, then we loan him to Granada, he didn't play so much there, and of course we, all the time, observed him and now we had the opportunity to sell him. But we have a buy-back [clause] so we have control of the situation, I think that's what he needed.

“From Preston, then go to , go to Portugal [with Benfica], every time stepping up to a higher club and a better league. Now we have to see and assess the situation if he can be an option for us. But playing at Man United is not so easy, playing in the for is not so easy. You need experience, also development. You get development from playing for better clubs and in better leagues.”

United have long-term problems at left-back, where and Tyrell Malacia have been out injured. Malacia has not played for United since May 2023, while Shaw has been unavailable since February, despite playing for England at Euro 2024.

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