Manchester United may already have lined up a potential replacement for Bruno Fernandes, should their club captain move on to Saudi outfit Al-Hilal in the coming months - with Sporting star Pedro Goncalves being Ruben Amorim's choice to come in for Old Trafford's shining star, even if Fernandes doesn't move away from Old Trafford.
Fernandes recorded an incredible 39 goal involvements in just 57 games for United, despite their shambolic campaign in the Premier League - and at the age of 30, that could see him leave the Red Devils. However, Amorim has a trick up his sleeve and that could see him land Goncalves in a raid on his former club.
Report: Pedro Goncalves on Man Utd Shortlist Regardless of Fernandes Future
Ruben Amorim could raid his former club for the midfielder in the coming weeks
Pedro Goncalves Sporting CP
The report by Portuguese outlet A Bola states that Amorim could return to his former side to raid them in the transfer market, with Goncalves being on his shortlist ahead of a potential summer move.
Pedro Goncalves' Primiera Liga statistics - Sporting squad ranking
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It's thought that any exit for Fernandes would speed the process up in terms of nabbing Sporting's best creative force, but United could still move even if their captain stays at the Europa League finalists - though the Portuguese champions will demand no less than €80million (£67million) to see him depart the club.
It's noted that United are struggling on a financial aspect, which means Fernandes' potential move to the Saudi Pro League would undoubtedly give them the fiscal capital to land a deal for Goncalves, nicknamed 'Pote' in Portugal.
But the possibility of a move is 'on the table' for United, with Amorim playing a key role in any developing move for the 'elite star'. The stance of the league winners is that they'll only sell if Goncalves' £68million release clause is activated, otherwise a deal won't be done - especially with star striker Viktor Gyokeres set to leave in the summer.
Sporting wish to renew his contract, but Goncalves wishes to wait a little longer than his employers to see if the market moves in his direction. Furthermore, Fernandes' departure would reportedly bring United £98.5million in transfer fees, and Sporting would be entitled to around £5million of that amid their sell-on clause - so even if United don't sign Goncalves, Sporting will be entitled to some financial windfall in an ideal scenario for the double winners.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 01-06-25.
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