Sporting Lisbon to net £9million as part of Bruno Fernandes bonus

According to the Portuguese site A Bola (h/t Daily Mail), Sporting Lisbon are set for a £9million windfall as a part of the deal that brought Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United.

The star midfielder has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Old Trafford. He has scored nine goals and eight assists in just 18 games as United make their way up the table.

The deal that brought him to United involved an initial £47m. This could rise to as much as £68m depending on whether a series of bonuses are met.

According to the report, the Portuguese side will receive £4.5m if United qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Red Devils are in control of their own destiny and should do the needful if they win their remaining two games in the Premier League.

Given where we were when the player joined, Sporting are due the unexpected windfall provided we finish the job. This will come as a boon for Sporting, who have been dealing with financial issues.

Sporting are also set to receive another £4.5m from United once Fernandes makes 20 appearances for the Red Devils. With just two more appearances needed to reach that target, it is a matter of when and not if.

Fernandes is one of the best players at the club. It is not fathomable to expect him to be dropped, especially at this crucial juncture.

With as many as five more matches to go including our Europa League commitments, Fernandes is easily expected to cross the 20-match quota.

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Fernandes has added quality to the midfield and has also improved those around him.

The amount United are set to pay Sporting will not be a concern to any fan given the effect the player has had. Fernandes could as well turn out to be one of the best transfers we have made in recent times.