Man Utd have reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon for Bruno Fernandes in the January transfer window.
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon captain Bruno Fernandes. United will pay Sporting €55m up front and €10m in add-ons, subject to Champions League qualification and appearances. Sporting could bank another €15m in add-ons based on individual milestones the player may accomplish at Old Trafford. In a statement, United said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.”
United balked at Sporting Lisbon’s €80million valuation of Fernandes nearly two weeks ago but said at the time there was a determination to get the deal done before Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline. United were concerned about the ramifications a possible €80m Fernandes deal could have on their summer business, since they felt the Portugal international could present a benchmark issue and cause the valuations of other targets, such as James Maddison of Leicester City, to inflate. Fernandes signed a new contract with Sporting in November until 2023 .
Sporting started Fernandes in their Monday night win over Maritimo and United sources believe the regular selections of the midfielder in the Sporting domestic schedule amid their interest was a ploy by the Portuguese club to maintain a high re-sale value. Sporting sources also felt Fernandes was not entirely committing to challenges during games this month out of fear of jeopardising a move to United.
Rather than meet the €80m Sporting demanded up front, United have waited it out and now appear set to sign a player they passed on buying in the summer. Old Trafford sources insist United were not spooked by reports Barcelona were about to lodge a late bid for Fernandes.
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