CHAPTER 1 2020–21: Loan to Defensa y Justicia

Despite being sporadically used Fernández's manager advised him to leave the club on loan, in order
to continue his development.[6] In August, Fernández was loaned to fellow top-flight club Defensa y
Justicia.[2][7] He made his debut for the Halcón on 18 September by manager Hernán Crespo in a 3–0
win over Delfín in the Copa Libertadores.[2][8] Despite initially not being a starter, his performances
impressed his manager and eventually he earned a place in the team, helping the club win the 2020
Copa Sudamericana, starting in the 3–0 win over fellow Argentinian side Lanús in the final, winning his
first career title.[6]

CHAPTER 2 2021–22: First-team breakthrough

After impressing on loan, Fernández returned to River Plate, during the season at the request of
manager Marcelo Gallardo, making his return on 15 July 2021, in the first leg of Copa Libertadores
round-of-16, featuring in the 1–1 home draw to fellow Argentinian side Argentinos Juniors.[6] He
immediately became a starter and on 14 August, he scored his first goal for the club and provided an
assist in a 2–0 win over Vélez Sarsfield in the Primera División.[6] On 20 December, he agreed to a
contract extension to 2025.[9] Following a promising start in the 2022 season, which he scored eight
goals and provided six assists in 19 games, Fernández was named the best active footballer
in Argentina, being subsequently scouted by a number of established European teams. [6][10][11][12]

CHAPTER 3 Benfica

Fernández with Benfica in 2022

On 23 June 2022, River Plate reached an agreement with Primeira Liga team Benfica for the transfer
of Fernández for a €10 million fee for 75% of his economic rights plus €8 million in add-ons, but with
the player remaining at River Plate until the end of the club's Copa Libertadores campaign.[13]
[14]
 Following River Plate's round of 16 exit from the Copa Libertadores, on 14 July, Benfica confirmed
the deal,[15] being given the number 13 shirt, previously worn by club legend Eusébio.[16]
He made his debut for the club on 2 August, scoring his first goal for the club, a half-volley from
outside the penalty area, in a 4–1 home win over Midtjylland in the first leg of the 2022–23 UEFA
Champions League third qualifying round. He then scored in Benfica's next matches: a 4–0 home win
over Arouca in the Primeira Liga, and a 3–1 away win over Midtjylland in the second leg of the UEFA
Champions League third qualifying round. [17] His impressive performances continued throughout the
month and following a run of five consecutive wins and three clean sheets, he was named the Primeira
Liga's Midfielder of the Month,[18] a feat which was repeated for the months of October and November.
[19]