West Ham United are off to a racing start to the summer transfer window this year. Having managed to land Manuel Pellegrini as their next manager, the Hammers are now busy in the transfer market, trying to add some quality to a side that looked rather weak last season.
They are looking to improve on certain roles in the squad and one player that they are interested in, to add some superiority to their midfield, is Bruno Fernandes. Born and brought up in Maia, Portugal, Fernandes started his youth career with Novara, an Italian club, but only made a name for himself after moving to Udinese in 2013. He spent three seasons at the club, earning a lot of experience and was picked up by Sampdoria in 2016.
Just a season later, he did enough for Sporting CP to come calling from his homeland. The 23-year old moved to Lisbon just last summer and also managed to break into the national side, playing a crucial role in Portugal’s run in Russia that ended abruptly.
He was one of the best players in Liga NOS last season, registering 11 goals and eight assists in 32 league starts. He scored a total of 16 goals in all competitions, playing in several roles in the midfield and has now turned into one of the most attractive options available in the transfer market this year.
The altercation with the fans after the end of the last season saw a number of players from Sporting ask for their contract to be terminated citing ‘just cause’. This will mean that Fernandes could be available on a free transfer, with West Ham, only having to pay a compensation fee. It is understood that West Ham are have made a £20m bid for his services, which, in this market, is an absolute steal. However, Sporting still wants £25m for the player.
The 23-year old is an attacking midfielder by trait, with great touch and close control. He has enough skill to sway his way out of tight positions while his constant search for space in the final third, makes him a hard man to mark.
He is versatile and can play in any of the midfield roles and is usually allowed to roam around the field, plugging gaps when needed. He is ready to do the dirty work but is at his best with the ball at his feet, where he is ready to turn defence into attack quickly.
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His vision and technique are right up there with the best and this will be a huge coup for the Hammers. Pellegrini has Manuel Lanzini in a similar role but has struggled with the Argentine’s lack of consistency. Bruno Fernandes is an upgrade on Lanzini and adds a lot of creativity to a midfield that looked static most of the previous season.
