Pranav Nair
Nuno Mendes to Manchester United hits a snag thanks to Sporting Lisbon’s demands
According to the Mirror (h/t Daily Star), the demands put forward by Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon have dented the chances of Nuno Mendes joining Manchester United this summer.
The 18-year-old is coming off an excellent season that has cemented his reputation as one of the best young talents on the continent. He has made 35 appearances for Sporting this season, scoring once and assisting two more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Mendes’ performances have also earned him a spot in defending champions Portugal’s squad for this summer’s Euros. It represents an excellent chance for the teenager to take his game to a bigger audience.
While United have shown interest in the player, there are a number of reasons that could prevent them from securing his signature this summer. One of them is Sporting’s insistence that Mendes’ £60.25m release clause be met in full.
The Red Devils are already in the market for a striker and a centre-back. There is little reason for us to splurge on Mendes given the options we already have at left-back.
Luke Shaw is a player reborn while Alex Telles is an able understudy. The latter arrived just a year ago and it makes little sense for United to move him on so quickly.
The news will come as a disappointment for United superstar Bruno Fernandes. The midfielder and Mendes are close friends with the former rating his compatriot very highly.
While they look set to share the dressing room at the international stage, doing so at the club level may need to wait a while longer.
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The 18-year-old made his senior debut for Sporting last season and has since emerged as a key player for the Portuguese giants. He played a key role in their Primeira League win this season, their first in 19 years.
