It is evident to everyone that Manchester United needs to make a January signing if they hope to salvage their current season, given the way the season has gone.

Erik ten Hag, the manager, would prefer to bring in a striker, but the club has to prioritize outgoings before considering any incomings due to financial problems.

To date, the club has continued to pay a significant portion of the salary of Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho, who left on loans to Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

The club has found it challenging to move first-team players, as they also saw last summer. The Red Devils then made the decision to profit from their academy graduates, who were still a long way from breaking through at the team.

The reports that associate Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez with permanent departures this window suggest that the trend is likely to continue.

The full-back, who is now on loan at Granada in La Liga, is anticipated to be called up and then acquired by Benfica, a massive Portuguese team.

Expert in transfers Fabrizio Romano had hinted that it might not be a straightforward deal, and according to sources from the Portuguese publication Record and Graham Bailey, the Spaniard is probably going to sign a contract that includes an initial loan with a buyout option.

“HITC has learned that Alvaro Fernandez is on the verge of leaving the Red Devils to sign a contract with Benfica, ending his loan stay at La Liga team Granada.”

Bailey said, “The Spain under 21 left-back will join the Primeira Liga powerhouses initially on a temporary basis, though his contract includes an option to buy for £8.6 million.”

It would be fascinating to watch what actually transpires, as the Portuguese site has claimed that the pact includes a necessary option to make it permanent instead of merely an option.

After his physical, the player is expected to join Benfica later on Saturday. The Portuguese team will begin covering the cost starting in the upcoming season.

After injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in the summer, Fernandez could have stayed at Old Trafford, but Ten Hag insisted on signing Sergio Reguilon rather than putting his faith in the Spanish U21 international.

Fernandez is en route.

While supporters will understand that the manager was unable to fully place his trust in the academy graduate due to results-driven demands, the player had previously stated in an interview that the Dutchman did not think he was ready. Selling such a highly-rated youngster feels like the wrong decision.

The Reds were incorrect to split ways with Fernandez this summer, as demonstrated by players like Anthony Elanga and Matej Kovar, and they may do so again in the years to come.

It’s expected that United will include a sizable sell-on clause in the agreement, but it’s unclear if they’ll include a buyback option.

The former Real Madrid academy standout has never wavered in his declaration that he hopes to succeed at United, but it now appears that may not be the case.