According to the latest reports from Football.London, Sporting Lisbon have received a bid of £44.6m from Atletico Madrid for Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international is said to be one of Manchester United’s top transfer target, and this should come as a blow to them as the Spanish giants have already made a move to sign the midfielder.
The Red Devils are said to be under pressure to move in quickly for their transfer target. With Paul Pogba announcing that he is looking for new challenges, money shouldn’t be much of an issue for Manchester United as they are likely to get a massive financial windfall from either Juventus or Real Madrid for Pogba.
Fernandes would be an ideal replacement for the World Cup-winning star who put in some indifferent displays in his time at Old Trafford. However, reports from Portuguese media outlet A Bola as cited by Football. London states that Atletico Madrid are confident that they could steal a march for Fernandes as they can offer him Champions League football. Now that they have put up a bid for him, Ole Gunnar Solskjær must step up his pursuit for one of the most sought after midfielders in world football right now.
Why is Fernandes in such demand?
The Sporting Lisbon captain scored a whopping 32 goals last season in all competitions, playing as an attacking midfielder. Those numbers are staggering even from a striker’s point of view, and for an attacking midfielder, it is almost unheard of. He also went on to provide 18 assists which brought his direct goal contribution to 50 for a season in 53 appearances.
He can play as a central midfielder as well as he is calm and composed in possession and can link up play with elan. However, he is at his best when he gets the ball in the attacking third. His footballing intelligence and finishing skills make him a stand out option at the moment. At 24, he is in the prime of his career and is very likely the next big thing in football once he makes a move away from the Portuguese league next season.
An ideal replacement for Pogba?
It is now more essential for Solskjær to sign Fernandes after the latest update from the French international. Pogba’s bad performances were focused on a lot, but he still managed 16 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season. Manchester United need a player who can replace those goals and assists along with providing more consistency and work rate.
Portuguese international Fernandes seems to be an ideal bet at the moment, and United should try everything in their means to get the better of Atletico Madrid.