Manchester United managerial decision could see them pinch Liverpool 'target' in January
Liverpool transfer rumours: The Benfica full-back had been linked with Liverpool but Man United’s potential managerial appointment could deny any move.
Manchester United’s imminent appointment of Ruben Amorim could see Liverpool miss out on a defensive target.
Following the sacking of Erik Ten Hag, the Sporting manager looks set to take over from the Dutchman. Previously in the running for both the Liverpool and Chelsea job, he wasn’t actually in the Blues’ final four candidates while his formation and the cost of the deal put Liverpool off before agreeing a deal with Arne Slot.
Coming into Old Trafford with his renowned 3-4-3 formation means the club will need a natural left-sided defender capable of playing in a left wing-back role. Injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw mean that one of either Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui would have to play out of position.
United have a buy-back clause on Benfica defender and former player Alvaro Fernandez, believed to be around £16 million, matching rights, and a sell-on clause for future profits. With the January window just two months away, it is a deal that could feasibly be very easy to do.
Prior to Ten Hag’s sacking, Liverpool were linked with a move acording to AS. The report claims that Liverpool have ‘shown the greatest interest’ in signing him as they look to a future successor for Andy Robertson, who is now 30.
Fernandez had previously spoken out on his goals in 2023 which could suggest a move back to Manchester is a real possibility. He said to The Athletic: “What message did United give me? That I should go out on loan, that Ten Hag didn’t count on me, that I should continue to gain experience, rhythm, and we’ll see what happens in the future.
“But it’s clear that football doesn’t end at any club and that you have to keep working. My main objective is to return to United and make a place for myself there.” Given he has averaged 0.60 goal-creating actions p90 over the last year, putting him in the top 1% of all full-backs across Europe’s top six leagues, he could well be a smart coup for whoever does eventually sign him - but United look to be at the front of the queue, especially after the Amorim news.