Krishnan Sreekumar
Transfer News: Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes had interest from Barcelona prior to signing new contract
According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Barcelona were monitoring Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes before he committed himself to the English side and signed a new contract earlier this month.
The attacking midfield star was signed from Sporting CP in the winter transfer window of 2020, as United struggled in the Premier League and were in danger of missing out on a top-four finish. The player had an instant impact, contributing to goals and assists and helping his new side finish third in the league within months of his arrival.
He followed up those performances with even more dazzling displays, as his first full season at the club saw the Red Devils finish second in the league table and also reach the finals of the UEFA Europa League, although they would go on to lose the summit clash against Villarreal in a penalty shootout.
His impressive performances on the pitch for the Manchester side saw the club reward him with a new contract, which was announced earlier this month as the Portuguese star committed himself to his new club until 2026, with an option to increase it by a further year. All this, less than two years after his arrival.
Barcelona compiling reports
The road to agreeing on a new deal with the 27-year-old was long and winding, with United executives first raising the prospect in November 2020 – just 10 months after the player was signed. Given his contribution to the team, the club planned to offer him a new contract to reflect his influence on the team and reward him by making him one of the club’s top earners.
However, Fernandes was not impressed with the Red Devils’ first offer for him last autumn, and with talks becoming gradual due to the pandemic, talks were shelved as the Portugal international wanted to see how the season shaped up. It was during this time that Barcelona were said to have been keen on signing the player, with the Catalans compiling reports on the midfielder.
The La Liga giants can now say goodbye to this dream after Fernandes signed a long-term deal to keep him at the Theatre of Dreams for the near future. United fans know how important he is to the team, with the player regarded as the major driving force of the squad in games.
Apart from being just a player, he has also looked like a real leader – shouting instructions and setting the example to others on how to give it all for this side. In the absence of club skipper Harry Maguire, Fernandes has often worn the armband, which has made him adored among the supporters.
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Although his levels have dipped this season, there is no doubt that he deserves the new contract. After all, if European giants like Barca take an interest in you, then you know you are good enough to be successful. With a new manager coming in, perhaps we will see Fernandes pick up his performances levels once again as the club usher in a new era from next term.
For now, we will hope that he can inspire us to yet another top-four finish this campaign, after we recently dropped points against Leicester City at home. We have never finished outside of third place with Fernandes in our side as of yet, and hopefully, this stat keeps running when we finish the season as well.
