Man Utd transfer news: Sporting hoping for record Bruno Fernandes sale
Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has said any deal for Bruno Fernandes could be the “most expensive” sale in the club’s history.
Fernandes has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer and Varandas already seems to be preparing for life without their 2018/19 Player of the Season.
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“It could be the most expensive sale of Sporting,” he said.
“The most expensive so far was João Mário, for €40m (£36m). There have been only talks for Bruno Fernandes, for now.
“I can only say that if a player leaves that can earn us millions, we will be prepared to attack the market. Always in a sustained way.
“I want Bruno Fernandes to stay, but everyone knows the current situation.”
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a wonderful season in Liga NOS, scoring 20 goals and registering a further 13 assists as Sporting Lisbon recorded a third-place finish. United’s midfield struggled to make an impression last season, with even Paul Pogba’s impressive return coming under scrutiny.
Not only did the Frenchman score more goals (13) and register more assists (9) in the Premier League than any other Man Utd player last season, but he also created more chances (55) and completed more dribbles (60), exerting a massive attacking influence over the Red Devils.
However, many United fans have often questioned his mentality and commitment, with things spilling over on the final day of the season as Pogba confronted some angry supporters at Old Trafford following a 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City.
As such, he is now being linked with a move to Real Madrid, who are spending big this summer in a bid to topple Barcelona at the top of La Liga and win a fifth Champions League crown in seven years.
Who is Bruno Fernandes? Five key things to know…
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- Fernandes is a 24-year-old midfielder from Portugal.
- His playing style has been likened to that of Frank Lampard.
- He scored 31 goals in all competitions last season, nearly double Pogba’s tally of 16.
- Fernandes registered 120 shots in the league alone last term, 25% of the total Man Utd managed as a team.
- The goalscorer would become United’s third summer signing, after Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.
