When a midfielder bags 32 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions, the big clubs are bound to come knocking.
Bruno Fernandes followed up an excellent 2017/18 campaign with a phenomenal one last season at Sporting CP. Playing largely in central midfield but often in a more advanced role as well, his creative influence and goal-scoring ability shone through in the Portuguese top flight.
Aged just 24, Fernandes has naturally been recognised as an exceptional talent and the fact that his exploits have come outside of the top-five European leagues hasn’t seemed to deter interested clubs.
He’s previously stated his desire to play in the Premier League and Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham have all been linked. Inter Milan on the other hand would present a return to Serie A while Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen on the Portugal international.
LIVERPOOL
According to Portuguese tabloid Correio de Manha, Liverpool are the first among Fernandes’ many suitors to table a formal bid of €45m. The understanding is that bid comes nowhere near Sporting’s valuation and will most likely be tossed out.
From Liverpool’s perspective though, it’s the right starting point. They’ve officially thrown their hat in the ring and clearly appreciate what the player could offer them in terms of a change in dynamic and greater depth. However, they’re also aware that there aren’t any substantial voids within their squad so they aren’t under pressure to land the Portuguese.
Fernandes has already spoken of his admiration of Liverpool’s style, one he prefers over that of another interested party in City.
“I like Liverpool a lot more, it’s a more direct, more offensive, maybe less organised, but more intense football, when you do not have the ball possession you are more intense,” he wrote on his blog De Caseirinha, as quoted by Portuguese publication Record.
Fernandes has the attacking instincts and intensity to flourish under Jurgen Klopp and could be a potent goal threat from midfield or even fill in for one of the front three.
SUITABILITY = 7/10
PROBABILITY = 7/10
MANCHESTER UNITED
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer often shifted between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formation since his appointment last December. Regardless of his preference going into the new campaign, the versatile Fernandes should slot in seamlessly.
United have been among the front-runners for his signature but despite possessing significant funds to meet Sporting’s asking price and a strong desperation to improve their roster, they are yet to make an offer.
The assumption is that the Red Devils have several irons in the fire and their decision to snap up the 24-year-old will depend on how other pursuits materialise. However, if that’s the case, they may be going about it the wrong way.
Securing the services of Fernandes would ease the pressure on them for the rest of the summer owing to his ability to feature in a number of positions. The Sporting playmaker has the pedigree to control play in central midfield or be more threatening in behind the striker while also capable of being effective on the right flank where United are woefully short of quality.
He’s the type of player who can improve those around him with his intelligent play and with Paul Pogba angling for a move away from Old Trafford, a creative force like Fernandes – averaging 3.2 key passes per game – is essential.
SUITABILITY = 8/10
PROBABILITY = 7/10
INTER MILAN
With Antonio Conte taking over from Luciano Spalletti, Inter Milan have set their sights on challenging Juventus’ monopoly over Serie A and a few signings to promote the new manager’s vision seem inevitable.
As such, the Nerazzurri have been strongly linked with Fernandes who has welcomed the reports along with the prospect of returning to Italy’s top flight.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, the former Sampdoria player said: “I was very happy in Italy and still watch Serie A games regularly.
“I do not have the slightest idea if it’s true that Inter are interested in me. They have a great Coach now in Antonio Conte who did so well at Juventus and with Italy. Of course, seeing my name associated with Inter is important.”
For a player blessed with several attacking attributes, Fernandes’s defensive contributions are impressive as well, making him all the more appealing to Conte.
SUITABILITY = 6/10
PROBABILITY = 5/10
ATLETICO MADRID
Diego Simeone is understood to be an admirer of Fernandes and the Portuguese certainly fits the mould at Atletico Madrid. Diego Costa’s woeful form last season couple with Antoine Griezmann’s impending departure to Barcelona means the La Liga outfit are in need of quality in the final third.
However, Marca reported on Monday that Los Rojiblancos are on the brink of signing another sought-after Portuguese talent in Joao Felix. The 19-year-old would be a straight replacement for Griezmann and if that move comes to fruition, Atletico won’t have much appetite to invest substantial funds in Fernandes as well.
The Spanish club have already lost Juanfran, Diego Godin and Lucas Hernandez already at the back while Felipe Luis’ future is also uncertain along with that of midfielders Rodri and Thomas Partey.
SUITABILITY = 7/10
PROBABILITY = 4/10
TOTTENHAM
Tottenham haven’t made a signing since Lucas Moura on January 31 last year. The fact that they’ve still managed to finish third in the Premier League and as runners-up in the Champions League is remarkable.
With Christian Eriksen looking for a move away from the club this summer, Fernandes would seem like a decent recruit on paper. He has the quality on dead balls to replace the Dane as Spurs’ premier set-piece specialist while also looking to replicate his contribution to goals.
However, recent reports from the Daily Mail and Sky Sports suggest Spurs aren’t targeting Fernandes and you can understand why.
Mauricio Pochettino has options in terms of attacking midfielders and is focused on signing Giovani Lo Celso instead, someone who fills a more withdrawn role. The Argentine is also expected to come for a much lower fee.
SUITABILITY = 5/10
PROBABILITY = 2/10
