Newcastle United are eyeing a move for SC Braga’s 16-year-old winger Roger Fernandes, with the Magpies ready to bring the up-and-coming prospect to St James Park.
According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United are exploring a move for Roger Fernandes as new sporting director Dan Ashworth looks to make his mark at the club. However, the 16-year-old SC Braga winger is expected to cost a significant sum of money as the Magpies eye to add him to their ranks this summer.
The importance of the current transfer window for Newcastle United has been reiterated many times. Not only do they have to work efficiently to bring in quality stars to elevate their squad, but the need to keep the club’s future in mind has also been emphasised.
Newcastle United showcased their financial muscle in the January window and are set to follow up in the summer by signing quality players. While the main focus remains on bringing in first-team stars, new sporting director Dan Ashworth seems to be working on securing youngsters in the window, with the Magpies intent on building stars for the future from within the club
Several young prospects have popped up as possible targets for Newcastle United heading into the summer. Croatian youngster Luka Sucic is already on their radar while still identifying many others to join their developmental squad. Scottish prodigy Calvin Ramsey is also on the agenda, although Newcastle face plenty of competition for the Aberdeen defender.
The latest name to emerge on Ashworth and Newcastle United’s radar is Braga’s 16-year-old winger Roger Fernandes, with a move likely to transpire in the current window. Braga have some players they could sell to secure important funds in the market, and one of them is the 16-year-old winger.
Fernandes has seen his stature rise after making his senior debut with the Portuguese side aged 15. Last season he was involved in ten games across all competitions, scoring thrice.
Braga hope to get the best value from a possible deal, and Fernandes’ contract, which runs until 2024, enables them to demand a significant fee. Newcastle are aware the price could jump up to €20 million in the window after the Portuguese side could knocked back an offer of €15 million from Ajax in January.
Fernandes has a €40 million release clause in his current contract with Braga. However, they will certainly not receive that amount for his sale but would be hoping to pocket at least half of that. Fernandes could join Newcastle at a very young age and hope to rise through the ranks of their system before making a mark at the first-team level.
