Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Portugal international is set to sign until 2024 on a €55 million deal, which could rise as high as €70 million with add-ons.
Manchester United Set to Sign Bruno Fernandes
Career So Far
Bruno Fernandes was born in Portugal and played for his local club, before moving to Italy between 2012-17. In Italy he played for Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria, amassing 142 appearances in Serie A and Serie B.
In 2017, he returned to Portuguese football, with a switch to Sporting Lisbon. There, he made 80 league appearances scoring 37 goals, which is an impressive return indeed.
Experience and Accolades
During his career so far, Fernandes has gained much credit as a young player. This includes a whole host of individual young player of the month awards. He has won Primeira Player of the Year on two occasions and his name appears on the 2018 UEFA Nations League final team of the tournament.
Indeed, Fernandes is involved with the Portuguese set-up. He played 172 minutes in total (including 81 minutes in the final) as his country won the inaugural Nations League.
Qualities
Bruno Fernandes is flourishing into a capable attacking midfielder. It is his goal tally that stands out most. This is due to his creative and technical abilities in the final third. His pace and quick feet let him surge past defenders. In addition, he is capable of scoring from long distances with ease.
His technical ability is not just limited to his own goal-getting. Fernandes is a good passer with the ability to slide balls through gaps for his team-mates to exploit. Last season he notched 18 assists across his 52 appearances.
For United, it may also be useful that Fernandes has captained Sporting Lisbon. This kind of leadership is useful in filling a squad with those prepared to lead the team by example, rather than shy away. The Reds don’t seem to have any constant captain, but instead many leaders on the pitch in the likes of Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford. Fernandes adds to a mix of players that can take the initiative and responsibility upon themselves to win a match.
This extends to his set-piece taking. He was the nominated penalty taker for Sporting. He uses the stuttering run-up before picking his spot to blast it home. In addition, he can score from free-kicks.
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