According to the reports from Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha, Manchester City have entered the race to sign Sporting CP’s star playmaker Bruno Fernandes. Reports mention that Pep Guardiola is readying a mega €100m bid for the 25-year-old. City are willing to loan Fernandes back to his current club for six months, and the attacking midfielder would only go on to join the English club in the upcoming summer.
City’s derby rivals Manchester United have long been linked with a move for Fernandes. They were interested in him in the summer of 2019 and even in this window. However, the latest report (The Express) mentions that the talks between the two parties have stalled. United reportedly offered £50m, with a further £15m in add-ons. Sporting are said to be demanding £68m upfront.
Does City need someone like Fernandes?
It will be surprising to see City invest in an attacking option in the January window. The club is blessed with talent in the attacking half of the pitch, and they have continued to score goals freely. Kevin De Bruyne is currently the chief playmaker for City, and he has been in terrific form.
Fernandes could be seen as a replacement for David Silva who is set to depart the club after this season ends. However, many are seeing Phil Foden as the successor to Silva’s role.
Guardiola has often ruled out a big January move as he indicated that signing top players in the middle of the season is never easy. We expect City to only splash the cash for a top defender in this window and a move for Fernandes would undoubtedly be surprising given that the club has De Bruyne, David Silva, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden in their ranks.
What can Fernandes add to City’s team?
Nevertheless, we will look at what Fernandes might be able to bring at the Etihad. The Portugal international is known for his consistent attacking returns. The 25-year-old has 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season.
Fernandes can link up play well, and he packs power with his right foot which makes him deadly shooter from a distance. The midfielder’s late runs in the box can also make the difference, and he can play as a box to box midfielder or as a proper no. 10. His ball control in tight areas also stands out.
We believe that even Fernandes might want to move to a club where he could get regular game time. Given that City are loaded with attacking talents, the Portuguese would find it hard to break into the starting eleven when everyone is fit for City.
