Man Utd Eye Buy-Back Clause for £5m Star Amid Arsenal and Newcastle Interest in Ghanaian International

As the Premier League braces for another international break just seven games into the season, clubs are already strategizing for the January transfer window. This period could prove pivotal for many teams, including Manchester United, who are currently under scrutiny for their recent recruitment decisions.

Following a lackluster start to the season, the Red Devils find themselves once again at the center of controversy regarding their transfer dealings. Having invested £182 million in new players while recouping £88 million through sales, the team has yet to demonstrate significant improvement on the pitch.

Among the summer departures that raised eyebrows was the sale of Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica for a mere £5 million. Despite a successful loan spell, Fernandez, a promising left-back from Real Madrid’s academy, did not make a single first-team appearance for Erik ten Hag over four years. However, after a fruitful stint at Benfica, where he has already made ten appearances, the 21-year-old is catching the attention of elite clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Now, reports suggest that Manchester United is considering activating a buy-back clause in Fernandez’s contract as they look to reclaim their former prospect. With Luke Shaw sidelined due to injury and Noussair Mazraoui potentially facing a minor procedure, bolstering the left-back position has become urgent for the club.

Critics have pointed out that allowing a young talent with significant potential to leave for such a modest fee exemplifies the issues in Manchester United’s recent transfer strategy. While Shaw has been a loyal servant, his injury history raises questions about the wisdom of parting with Fernandez, especially given the latter’s impressive development in Portugal.

In related news, Newcastle United and Arsenal are reportedly in a fierce competition to sign Bournemouth’s in-form star, Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian international has made an impressive start to the season, netting three goals and providing one assist in just seven matches. Following Dominic Solanke’s departure to Tottenham, Semenyo has become a key player for the Cherries and showcased his talents in a standout performance against Newcastle.

With Newcastle looking to strengthen their attacking options, Semenyo, at 24 years old, could provide the pace and unpredictability that manager Eddie Howe is seeking to bolster their European aspirations. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how these situations unfold for both Manchester United and their rivals.

Manchester United’s decision to include a buy-back clause for Alvaro Fernandez, following his £5 million sale to Benfica, is under scrutiny, especially after the left-back’s stellar performances in Portugal. Fernandez’s return is seen as a potential solution to the club’s current defensive issues, particularly with Luke Shaw injured and doubts over Noussair Mazraoui’s fitness. The young Spaniard’s development since leaving Old Trafford has sparked interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, adding urgency to United’s reconsideration of their transfer decisions.

Critics argue that letting Fernandez go for such a low fee highlights broader issues with Manchester United’s transfer strategy, particularly given the lack of sufficient backup in defense. The club is now weighing whether to activate his buy-back clause, seeing the value in bringing him back to address current gaps.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Newcastle are eyeing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has impressed this season with three goals and one assist in seven matches. The 24-year-old Ghanaian forward has emerged as a key player for Bournemouth after Dominic Solanke’s departure to Tottenham. Both Arsenal and Newcastle view Semenyo as a versatile attacking option, with Newcastle particularly keen to strengthen their attack for European competition.