Manchester United’s summer transfer plans are already being formulated and Geovany Quenda is one name perceived to be nailed on.
Even before Ruben Amorim was named as the new Manchester United head coach, there were links to sign Sporting Lisbon players.
These links have only gotten hotter since, with Geovany Quenda emerging as a serious target for United ahead of the summer transfer window.
United are advancing in talks to sign Quenda, with Ineos thinking a bid of around £33m would do the trick which is a figure the Portuguese press are not in agreement with.
With finances this summer expected to be stretched as it is, United won’t be able to pay Sporting the top dollar to reunite Quenda with Amorim.
Therefore, United in Focus understands an alternative may be on the cards.
Photo by Miguel Lemos/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Miguel Lemos/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Manchester United identify Roger Fernandes as Geovany Quenda alternative
While Quenda is quite clearly United’s number one target for the right wing-back position, Braga’s Roger Fernandes is also being considered, Graeme Bailey tells United in Focus.
Quenda is a player United likes and their scouts love him. They did so even before Amorim arrived at United.
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Talks have taken place and continue as United want a deal done before the summer but it is not done and dusted. United in Focus can reveal that the club are doing work on other options – should a deal for Quenda not be finalised.
We can confirm that one player who has impressed is another Portuguese starlet in the shape of Roger Fernandes.
The Braga teenager moved to Portugal from Guinea-Bissau at a young age but made his first-team debut aged just 15, which Carlos Carvalhal described to Sky Sports as a ‘special moment’.
He has very similar qualities to Quenda and no surprise that he has emerged on United’s radar as a possible alternative, with the right wing-back also having a real eye for goal.
Fernandes signed a new deal last summer and is contracted to Braga until 2028 and has a release clause worth €40million (£33m).
How does Roger Fernandes compare with Geovany Quenda?
Fernandes is very similar to Quenda. He is left-footed but plays down the right, while also being versatile. He has played full-back, wing-back, winger and as a forward this season for Braga.
When comparing the two, it is easy to see that Fernandes is just as exciting a prospect as Quenda and why United are so keen.
Geovany Quenda vs Roger Fernandes
Percentile Quenda Stat per 90 Fernandes Percentile
91st 3.25 Shot creating actions 3.28 92nd
88th 1.12 Shots 1.73 97th
70th 4.24 Prog. Passes 4.66 76th
88th 3.12 Prog. Carries 4.32 97th
94th 1.50 Succ. Take-ons 1.90 99th
1st 0.87 Tackles 2.59 81st
3rd 0.37 Interceptions 1.38 89th
5th 0.62 Blocks 1.55 84th
Fernandes is quietly a superior player to Quenda right now, although he does have two years on the Sporting star at the age of 19.
United would likely be able to sign Fernandes for cheaper than the £33m release clause cited above. This would be a deal befitting the current United recruitment strategy and although not Amorim’s top choice, he would still be thrilled with the qualities Fernandes brings.