Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks, with the Spanish giants reportedly ready to launch a record-breaking £90m bid for the Manchester United playmaker
Comments
Sport
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Old Trafford
Bruno Fernandes' situation is reportedly being monitored closely by Real Madrid
(Image: Jan Kruger - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
Manchester United may rue missing an opportunity to build a team around Bruno Fernandes, as Real Madrid reportedly plot a £90million transfer for the club captain.
Despite his best efforts over a five-year stint with the Red Devils, the 30-year-old Portuguese playmaker has been unable to restore the club's former glory, with their Premier League standings gradually declining. And if recent rumours are to be believed, he may be playing in La Liga in the 2025/26 season.
Article continues below
The Daily Star reports that representatives from Real Madrid have been attending almost every United match, both home and away, to scout Fernandes' performances. Even though they're currently second in La Liga, tied on 63 points with leaders Barcelona, the club is allegedly planning a major revamp this summer.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is on their radar as they aim to bolster their squad with some of the world's top talent. Fernandes is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for 39-year-old Luka Modric, whose contract with Real Madrid expires this summer.
And while Manchester United will ultimately decide Fernandes' future, given his contract runs until 2027 with an option to extend for another year, a £90million transfer would set a new sales record for the Red Devils. The potential sale of Fernandes could provide a significant financial boost for Manchester United, who have faced monetary challenges lately.
The club would also see a substantial return on their £68m investment from Sporting CP in January 2020, considering the player is approaching the latter stages of his career. Since joining the Red Devils, Fernandes has been prolific, netting 95 goals and delivering 82 assists in 227 appearances.
His eight Premier League goals this season make him United's leading scorer for the 2024/25 campaign, despite forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund not living up to expectations. And undoubtedly a world-class player, United may also rue a missed opportunity to build a world-beating team around their star man should he leave.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Ipswich Town FC at Old Trafford
Bruno Fernandes has been a standout in a struggling Manchester United side
Despite being the team's captain, Fernandes' tenure at Old Trafford hasn't been without its difficulties, highlighted by last season's eighth-place finish and the current standing at 13th in the league. It seems his influence may extend beyond the pitch, although his recommendations to the United hierarchy have sometimes been overlooked.
For instance, back in 2023, Fernandes publicly recommended the signing of his Portuguese compatriot Goncalo Ramos from Benfica after an impressive season where the striker scored 19 goals and helped secure the Liga Portugal title for his team. Speaking to Sport TV, Fernandes said: "I think Goncalo [Ramos] has all the conditions to play in the Premier League.
"He plays with a lot of intensity, he presses very well and is really good inside the penalty area. He is strong. Obviously, he is still very young and will improve a lot." He added: "Here, the best players will always be valued, be it Goncalo or someone else.
"I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say in the Premier League, I also mean Manchester United. I think he could become a great reference in years to come. But it is still not in my hands, it is up to the sporting director. When I am in that position, I will make those decisions."
The acquisition would have been a start on building a team feeding off Fernandes' chemistry, but it simply wasn't meant to be - with Ramos joining Paris Saint-Germain instead. Since his £54m deal with the French Goliaths, Ramos has excelled - scoring 28 goals, and 7 assists in 68 games. United, meanwhile, opted to sign Hojlund from Atalanta for £64m.
Since his transfer, he has netted only 13 times in 54 Premier League matches. Fernandes' prospect of joining Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Federico Valverde at Real Madrid is a very interesting thought to say the least. However, it would mean that Manchester United will have to invest the money in a new playmaker of equal calibre, should they hope to dig their way out of their current troubles.