Barcelona have reportedly emerged as a potential destination for unhappy Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes.
A recent report from El Nacional has offered an interesting update on the future of Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker has grown seemingly unhappy with his life at Manchester United. He was not very delighted with the club’s summer acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo, fearing that his importance in the first-team might be affected.
Halfway into the new season, Fernandes’s fears have become a reality, with new coach Ralf Rangnick issuing a warning over his regular place in the side. The Portuguese international is unhappy with the club’s performances, and he may look to leave the club in the summer, should Manchester United fail to secure a top-four finish this season. It has put a number of clubs on red alert, including FC Barcelona.
Fernandes is not the only Manchester United player to have been subjected to speculations over his long-term future at Old Trafford. His compatriot Ronaldo’s future also remains uncertain, with the attacker unsatisfied with the club’s lack of progress and ambition. Paris Saint-Germain, for one, are already prepared to make a move for the ex-Juventus sensation, most likely as a direct replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
Ronaldo’s potential exit could certainly ensure a prolonged stay for Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford. But in recent weeks, there have been doubts over his performances, with the Manchester United talisman being involved in just eight league goals this term, three of which came in the opening fixture against Leeds United.
Under Rangnick, the former Sporting CP captain has failed to register a single goal or assist in four league matches. He was even relegated to the bench in Manchester United’s recent defeat to Wolves.
Fernandes’s precarious situation has now put Barcelona on the hunt, with the club’s sporting director Joan Laporta considering him as an ideal alternative to top target, Erling Haaland. Reports suggest the Catalans are already in talks with the Borussia Dortmund forward, but Joan Laporta will be open to exploring the possibility to sign Fernandes as well.
However, Barcelona could potentially face financial shortcomings if they are to truly pursue the Manchester United playmaker. To that end, they may even have to offload the €100 million-rated Pedri, a risk Laporta might be unwilling to take, given the sheer talent and potential of the young Spanish international.
