Manchester United are ready to bolster their midfield options and have reportedly made Portuguese midfielder Gedson Fernandes their prime January target.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Manchester United have made SL Benfica midfielder, Gedson Fernandes their prime transfer target for the winter transfer window. The Portuguese international’s representatives are reportedly in England to discuss a potential move this January.
Gedson Fernandes, 20, is a very highly-rated midfielder in his homeland and he has also graduated from the famous Benfica youth academy, which has produced some of the biggest stars in world football in recent times. But, his recent equation with head coach Bruno Lage has not been great and, therefore, the youngster has not featured in the last seven matches for the Portuguese outfit.
The report suggests that his representatives are looking to broker an initial loan with an option to buy him for around £34 million, which could interest all the parties involved in the deal. Although Gedson currently holds a £102 million release, Benfica are aware that no one will pay that hefty an amount for the 20-year-old, seeing as he is currently out of favour with Lage.
This can be the right move for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is looking to build a new era at Old Trafford with young talents. Gedson has that extra edge to make him a prospect and flourish in a tougher league and he also fits the bill of Solskjaer’s long-term plans with the team as a whole.
The Portuguese international is a traditional box-to-box midfielder, the sort of all-action player who the Red Devils have missed ever since the departure of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini from Old Trafford. While Gedson uses his physical attributes to perform that last ditch tackle, he also has the ability to beat goalkeepers from range.
He has that panache and guile which Manchester United are in need of, especially whenever Paul Pogba is sidelined. Gedson has that work ethic to win back possession and be that enforcer in the middle of the park while also having the ability to eke out that final through balls for the forwards. His creativity can be the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle for Solskjaer’s men.
The sort of deal that is being proposed is quite appealing for Manchester United. And, while the player gets another opportunity to prove himself elsewhere, even Benfica will have a chance to cash in on an out-of-favour midfielder.
Will Gedson Fernandes be a flash in the pan or a future world-beater that remains to be seen but for now, moving Manchester United can turn out to be the right decision for the youngster as the Portuguese international can turn out to be the long-term Paul Pogba replacement, considering the Frenchman’s uncertain future at Old Trafford.
