In a recent interview, Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes has left the door open for a potential switch to the Premier League this summer amid recent reports (via Evening Standard) linking him with a move to Manchester United. Speaking with Sport TV (via the Metro), the Liga NOS midfielder said, ‘Last year I received approaches, mainly from England and also from Spain, but I did not feel prepared to go.
‘Not because of difficulty, but for the high number of games in England.
‘My debut season at Sporting was the first time I played so many games, I thought I needed one more season with that kind of regularity.
‘Now I feel prepared for this requirement if I ever have to play in England or a team in Spain.’
The Metro has also revealed that the Portuguese talent has a whopping €100m (£87m) release clause in his current contract with Sporting so the Red Devils might have to pay big money to lure Fernandes to Old Trafford in the summer.
Bruno Fernandes’ Remarkable Season With Sporting CP Thus Far
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a very productive campaign for the Liga NOS giants after putting in numerous match-winning displays under Marcel Keizer’s stewardship during this season. Fernandes has scored an impressive 28 goals while creating 15 assists in 47 matches for Sporting this term across multiple competitions.
What Does The Portuguese Playmaker Offer On The Pitch?
The Portuguese talent has decent pace and is a very productive dribbler with the ball at his feet. He also has a wide range of passes in his locker and is a significant goal-threat from midfield. At 24, Fernandes is about to embark upon the peak years of his playing career which Man United could look to benefit from over the next few years.
There is no doubt that the Liga NOS star’s potential acquisition will bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attacking options significantly at Old Trafford next season. The Red Devils need a prolific goal-getter from midfield as Paul Pogba has been quite inconsistent with his performances this season. Even though the Frenchman has found the back of the net 16 times in 42 appearances, quite a significant chunk of his goals has come from the penalty spot.
Should Solskjaer Make A Move To Sign Fernandes?
Fernandes will add more quality to the Man United midfield which could help them close the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool in the coming years. Hence, Ed Woodward and co. should do everything they can to convince the Portuguese sensation to make a switch to the red half of Manchester in this off-season. However, without qualifying for the Champions League, it could be tough to tempt the midfielder to ply his trade at Manchester United.
