According to a recent report by A Bola (via Sports Witness), Manchester City have scheduled a meeting with Sporting CP director Hugo Viana. He will travel to Manchester and will receive a formal offer once he arrives in the city as Pep Guardiola looks to secure the services of Bruno Fernandes.
The same source has also revealed that at first, the Citizens were willing to pay €50m for the Portuguese talent. However, the Mancunian outfit are currently plotting a €70m move so that they can fend off stiff competition from other clubs and can seal a move for Fernandes before the current campaign is even over.
The Remarkable Rise Of Bruno Fernandes This Season
The Maia born sensation has been in scintillating form for the Portuguese side after putting in some glorious displays for them during this campaign. The ex-Boavista player has featured in a total of 49 matches for Marcel Keizer’s team this term, finding the back of the net 28 times while creating 16 assists in all competitions.
The 24-year-old has also represented Portugal in 11 international matches and has scored one goal for his country thus far. At 24, Fernandes is currently about to embark upon the peak years of his career which Man City could look to benefit from in the coming years.
What Does The Portuguese Talent Offer On The Pitch?
Fernandes can run at high speed and is always willing to take on the opposing defenders when making dribbles from midfield. The Portuguese midfield ace has also transformed himself into a prolific finisher in front of goal and can also pick out a decisive pass in the final third. His numbers this season has been nothing short of remarkable, especially for an attacking midfielder. So if he can repeat his heroics in the Premier League next season, then he could thrive under Guardiola’s guidance which would help him to take his game to the next level.
The potential addition of Fernandes will undoubtedly bolster Guardiola’s attacking options at the Etihad Stadium. He will increase competition for players such as David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan for a starting berth in the number 10 position.
Fernandes’ Addition: Wise Move For The Citizens?
To his credit, Fernandes has the potential for giving any other midfielder a run for their money when it comes to putting in consistent match-winning performances on the pitch. As long as the Portuguese international can find a way to cope with the physicality and high intensity of English football, he shouldn’t have too many problems finding success at the blue half of Manchester. Hence, it could prove to be a wise move for the Citizens if they manage to land Fernandes ahead of the new season.
