MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned by the news that Bruno Fernandes could quit this summer.
The Portuguese midfielder, 29, is in his fifth season with the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon.
Fernandes signed in January 2020 in a transfer costing an initial £47million which rises to £68m.
But, undoubtedly, he has been the most successful buy in the period since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
The skipper has produced 54 goals and 40 assists in 157 Premier League matches.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing for a huge clearout at United in order to try and free up funds for new additions.
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And Fernandes, who penned an extension until 2026 two years ago, responded to that by saying: “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it?
“A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.
“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.
“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”
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Those remarks will have raised eyebrows both at Old Trafford and across Europe as a host of clubs plot a potential swoop.
And here are five places that United captain could end up:
BARCELONA
Another club that is planning a brutal clearout by putting all-but three stars on the transfer list, including Robert Lewandowski.
And if they can raise the necessary funds, then Fernandes could be somebody they look to to try and transform their midfield.
His agent Jorge Mendes already enjoys a good relationship with the Catalans and a report emerged last month that he has offered them the United captain.
REAL MADRID
Fernandes would be the ideal replacement for the soon-to-be departing Luka Modric in the heart of the midfield.
They have been long-term admirers of the star, who they were keen on while he was still at Sporting, and were scouting him at the 2022 World Cup.
But with Kyliann Mbappe expected to sign on a mega-money package, funds could be tight at Madrid.
JUVENTUS
Another club that was previously linked with Fernandes before United swooped for him.
Two years later they were still allegedly “in love” with the Portugal ace and Juventus could potentially launch a move to finally get their man.
PSG
Just like Juventus, the French giants also wanted him prior to his switch to Old Trafford.
With Mbappe set to leave Parc des Princes this summer, that would open up some huge space on the wage bill.
And that could lead to PSG attempting to snap him up.
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SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
The Saudis are expected to try and bring a host more stars to try and bolster their league again this summer.
And if Fernandes is available, there is no doubt that they would love him to join his Portuguese team-mate and ex-United colleague Ronaldo out in the Middle East.
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
