Real Madrid is reportedly preparing a record-breaking bid for Manchester United`s captain, Bruno Fernandes, this summer transfer window.
Representatives of Carlo Ancelotti have been consistently scouting Fernandes, attending almost every Manchester United match, both home and away, throughout the current season.
According to reports, Real Madrid anticipates that securing Fernandes`s transfer would require a fee of approximately £90 million.
This would mark Manchester United`s most expensive player sale to date, surpassing the £80 million Real Madrid previously paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in June 2009.
Real Madrid is planning a significant squad overhaul at the end of the current season, which may include acquiring Liverpool`s right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, on a free transfer.
Bruno Fernandes is seen as a key signing, potentially stepping into the shoes of Luka Modric, whose contract is expiring this summer at the age of 39.
Fernandes`s consistent performance has been a bright spot in what has been another challenging season for Manchester United. The team currently sits at 13th position in the Premier League and is on track for their lowest ever league finish.
Last summer, there were speculations about Fernandes leaving the club after he acknowledged that a move was “possible.”
However, the 30-year-old midfielder ultimately committed to Manchester United by signing a new contract in August, extending his stay until 2027 with a substantial £325,000-per-year salary.
Despite his commitment, the allure of winning major trophies could make a move to Real Madrid and the Bernabeu stadium highly appealing to Fernandes.
Fernandes stands out as Manchester United`s most productive player this season, contributing 16 goals and assists. This includes eight goals in the Premier League and four in the Europa League.
The club frequently relies on his ability to create impactful moments during matches, and he is almost always available for team selection.
Fernandes recently admitted to having received an offer to leave last year but chose to stay because of his belief in the club`s potential for future success.
Manchester United`s financial constraints have been openly discussed by minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe stated that the club was at risk of running out of funds this year, justifying his implementation of cost-cutting measures.
It is suggested that Manchester United is open to considering significant offers for every player in their current squad.
However, Bruno Fernandes is considered a unique case, arguably being the only truly successful signing for Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson`s retirement in 2013.
Since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for £47 million, the Portuguese international has scored 95 goals and provided 82 assists in 227 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils.
Despite his contributions, opinions on Fernandes are divided. Some critics point to his negative body language and displays of frustration on the pitch.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is among those who have voiced concerns about Fernandes`s suitability as team captain.
Keane reacted strongly to the suggestion that Fernandes is “saving” Manchester United, given their low league position. He emphasized that talent alone is insufficient and questioned Fernandes`s overall impact.
However, Ian Wright, Keane`s co-host on Stick to Football, disagreed, asserting that “United would be relegated without him,” highlighting Fernandes`s crucial role in the team.
Since Keane`s criticism, Fernandes has responded with strong performances, silencing some of his critics, though he admitted the comments “were not nice to hear.”
Notably, he scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Real Sociedad in the Europa League earlier this month.
He also followed up with a remarkable free-kick against Arsenal in the Premier League shortly after.
Fernandes has expressed his ambition to surpass club legends Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Manchester United`s scoring charts and reach 300 appearances for the club.
Many Manchester United supporters believe that Fernandes deserves to compete for major trophies, adding to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles he has already won with the club.
