Man Utd could offer three players to Benfica to sign Enzo Fernandez
Man Utd's next six Premier League fixtures
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Manchester United are in the heart of a rebuild, and a player plus cash transfer could be the ideal way to strike a deal with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea are leading the race for the playmaker, though a deal is yet to be reached.
Since his arrival in the Old Trafford dugout, Erik ten Hag has made it his mission to shake up the United midfield. Several stars departed over the summer, making way for Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. However, the reshuffle is not complete.
The Red Devils hold an interest in Fernandez and may need to act quickly to sign the 21-year-old before he comes Stamford Bridge-bound. With Benfica standing firm and pointing to their star’s £106million release clause, offering players could be a smart move by the higher powers at United. But, who could they offer?
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The most obvious candidate to be used as a makeweight for United is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, despite his recent solid performances. The right-back has struggled to progress at The Theatre of Dreams, with Diogo Dalot now first-choice under Ten Hag and in talks to renew his contract at the club.
Wan-Bissaka is attracting plenty of interest from Premier League sides, including from former side Crystal Palace, though a stint away from England could be the ideal confidence booster to get him out of the public eye. United will be well aware that they are not going to recoup the £50m that they invested into his services, but a swap deal may be the best way to prevent the club from feeling short-changed by his exit.
Facundo Pellistri
Despite being lowly valued, Facundo Pellistri could be a player that benefits all parties if included in a deal for Enzo Fernandez. The Uruguay international joined United in 2020 for £9million but he is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the club, spending two seasons out on loan at Alaves in the La Liga instead.
Pellistri was not loaned out this season, sparking reports that he could be in the frame to be the next young prospect to enter the fold. However, his time at Old Trafford now appears numbered and Benfica may feel that he is a player they could nurture and help get his career back on track.
Donny van de Beek
The ideal outcome for Benfica is losing a midfielder but not having to replace him, therefore, they may welcome Donny van de Beek as part of a deal for Fernandez. The Dutchman was expected to have his career revived by the arrival of Ten Hag, but that has been far from the case.
The former Ajax star has played 110 minutes of Premier League football so far this season and looks in desperate need of a move. With more midfielders set to arrive over the coming transfer windows, it is hard to see how Van de Beek will work his way back into the United team and may, at 25, be reluctant to spend more time warming the bench. His stint at Everton proved unsuccessful and perhaps a completely different environment is what the playmaker needs.
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