Burnley Reach Verbal Agreement to Sign Manchester United Graduate
Burnley Reach Verbal Agreement to Sign Manchester United Graduate
Burnley Football Club has reached a verbal agreement to sign highly-rated Manchester United graduate, Alvaro Fernandez, as they continue to bolster their squad ahead of the 2024/2025 Premier League season. The 21-year-old Spanish left-back is set to join Vincent Kompany’s side on a permanent deal, bringing his wealth of potential and promise to Turf Moor.
Alvaro Fernandez, who joined Manchester United from Real Madrid’s youth setup in 2020, quickly rose through the ranks at Old Trafford, making a name for himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League. However, with limited first-team opportunities at Manchester United, Fernandez spent the 2023/2024 season on loan at Preston North End, where he impressed with his defensive solidity and attacking prowess down the left flank.
Fernandez’s performances at Preston North End did not go unnoticed, and he quickly became a target for several Premier League clubs this summer. Burnley, who recently secured promotion back to the Premier League under the management of Vincent Kompany, emerged as the frontrunners in the race to secure his signature.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Burnley has reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United to sign Alvaro Fernandez for a fee believed to be in the region of £10 million. The agreement is expected to include additional performance-related bonuses, which could see the total value of the deal rise depending on Fernandez’s impact at Burnley.
The deal will also reportedly include a buy-back clause, allowing Manchester United the option to re-sign Fernandez in the future if he fulfills his considerable potential at Turf Moor. This clause is seen as a safety net for Manchester United, who are keen to ensure that they do not lose a promising talent without the possibility of bringing him back to Old Trafford.
Alvaro Fernandez has expressed excitement about the prospect of joining Burnley and playing under Vincent Kompany, a manager known for his defensive expertise and tactical acumen. In a statement through his representatives, Fernandez said, “I am grateful for the opportunities Manchester United has given me, but I believe this move to Burnley is the right step in my career. I am eager to work with Vincent Kompany and contribute to the team’s success in the Premier League.”
For Burnley, the acquisition of Alvaro Fernandez represents a significant step in their efforts to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League. Vincent Kompany, who took charge of Burnley in the summer of 2023, has been active in the transfer market, targeting young and dynamic players who can adapt to his tactical approach.
Kompany, a former Premier League-winning captain with Manchester City, has made it clear that he sees Fernandez as a key addition to his squad. Speaking about the potential signing, Kompany said, “Alvaro is a player with immense potential, and I believe he has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League. He has shown his ability both defensively and offensively, and I am confident he will be an asset to our team as we look to establish ourselves in the top flight.”
With the verbal agreement now in place, the next steps will involve finalizing the contract details and completing the medical examination, which is expected to take place in the coming days. Once these formalities are completed, Alvaro Fernandez will officially become a Burnley player, with the club likely to announce the signing before the end of the summer transfer window.
Burnley fans will be eagerly anticipating Fernandez’s arrival, hoping that he can make an immediate impact in the team’s campaign to avoid relegation and consolidate their position in the Premier League. The club’s supporters have been vocal in their desire for reinforcements, particularly in defense, and Fernandez’s signing will go a long way in addressing those concerns.
While Manchester United will be parting ways with a promising young talent, the club’s hierarchy is believed to be satisfied with the terms of the deal, especially with the inclusion of a buy-back clause. United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has been focused on strengthening other areas of the squad, and the funds from Fernandez’s sale are expected to be reinvested in new signings.
In a brief statement, Manchester United’s Director of Football, John Murtough, said, “Alvaro is a talented player, and we wish him all the best at Burnley. The agreement we’ve reached is beneficial for all parties involved, and we will continue to monitor his progress closely.”
The move to Burnley represents a new chapter in Alvaro Fernandez’s career, one that offers him the opportunity to establish himself as a regular Premier League player. Burnley’s supporters will be hoping that he can live up to his potential and play a crucial role in the club’s fight for survival in the top tier.
As the summer transfer window draws to a close, Burnley’s acquisition of Fernandez is a statement of intent from Vincent Kompany’s side, signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level. The coming weeks will reveal whether this transfer will be the catalyst for a successful season at Turf Moor.