Manchester United are reportedly one step away from completing a deal for Bruno Fernandes, who is set to leave Sporting CP in the current transfer window.
According to reputed Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio, Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Bruno Fernandes. The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Sporting CP superstar for a while now. And as per the report, he is ‘one step away’ from being a Manchester United player.
The report explains that the negotiations with Sporting CP are in the final stages, with Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United almost a certain deal at this point. Sporting CP will also have to pay 10% of the fee forward, with Sampdoria reserving the right to that percentage as per the deal that saw Bruno Fernandes sign for the Portuguese club.
? Reports suggest all confirmed! Final details between Man United and Sporting Lisbon in place. Bruno Fernandes to sign a 5-year deal, worth €5.5m per season! [@NicoSchira] pic.twitter.com/o8lWsMSY6R
— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) July 27, 2019
Bruno Fernandes has come into the pre-season on the back of a formidable 2018-19 campaign, with astonishing numbers for a non-forward. 32 goals and 18 assists in 53 games is a return that is considered excellent for a forward, let alone one for a number 10.
His knack for scoring and providing on a consistent basis has drawn the interest of Manchester United. The Red Devils are undergoing another rebuild in what has been a story of rebuilds so far in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer though, has provided some hope with his pressing tactics and counter-attacks that are a throwback to the United of old.
But, there are pressing squad issues that have to be addressed. One of the issues is the gaping hole of a quality number 10 in the setup, especially with Solskjaer preferring the 4-2-3-1 formation. Jesse Lingard provides pace and pressing but has been largely ineffective under Solskjaer and is far from consistent.
Juan Mata is a proven quality in the said position and creatively much better than Lingard. But, the Spaniard is relatively slow and is just not able to close down the opposition with the same vigour. Solskjaer needs the best of both worlds, which is where Bruno Fernandes comes in.
At 24, Bruno has the legs to cover every inch of grass on the pitch and his numbers already dictate the kind of creative genius he is. What he adds though, is an ability to provide goals himself, something neither Lingard nor Mata were able to do last season.
The Red Devils brought in Aaron Wan-Bissaka to address the right-back area and are tipped to complete the signing of Harry Maguire to add a quality centre-back option. The fee hasn’t been mentioned by Di Marzio. Regardless, Bruno Fernandes will address a problem area for Manchester United, which seems to be the way United are going forward.
