According to a report by Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Manchester United have begun negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over the transfer of star midfielder Bruno Fernandes – with the Red Devils’ hunt for a prolific attacking midfielder well underway.
Fernandes, who totalled an impressive 32 goals and 18 assists in all competitions for Sporting last term (Transfermarkt), broke Frank Lampard’s long-standing record from the 2009/2010 season for most goals scored from a midfielder in Europe – with the Englishman’s 27 strikes eventually being smashed by the 25-year-old. As a result, the attacking midfielder has been likened to the Chelsea legend – potentially exciting many supporters if he were to make an Old Trafford switch.
As per the report, Sporting are not going to let Fernandes leave easily, with the club reportedly slapping a £60 million price tag on the goalscoring midfield player and refusing to budge on the terms. However, judging by Fernandes’stats, it is not ludicrous to say that the sum of money they’re demanding could be worth it. After all, they broke a world record for a defender over the course of the summer, so spending money on a more advanced area of the team doesn’t appear to be out of the question.
Indeed, the Independent did suggest the club were keen on moving for a creative midfielder earlier this month and, given his impressive aforementioned haul when it comes to being involved in goals, the Portuguese looks a natural fit.
In comparison to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s current crop of midfielders, including Paul Pogba (injured), Scott McTominay (injured), Jesse Lingard and Fred, the numbers just do not compare – with Fernandes eclipsing all of them in terms of finding the net and assisting others, as per WhoScored.com. While McTominay and Pogba are currently sidelined, and with Lingard going through an abject run of form, it could be high time that United splash the cash and do everything possible to land a top-class addition to their weakened midfield.
Man United fans, should your club splash the cash for Fernandes? Join the discussion by commenting below…
