Manchester United continue the race for Bruno Fernandes

European giants are circling for the signature of Bruno Fernandes…

One of the most exciting players available this coming window is Bruno Fernandes, of Sporting CP. After a successful campaign last season, he was expected to make the move to a bigger club in Europe. However, a move never materialized.

This season has been even more successful for Fernandes though. Contributing to 35 goals in 44 games, with 23 goals and 12 assists from the centre mid position. That’s a goal contribution every 0.79 games. To put that in perspective, Eden Hazard, who has the most output of his career this season, is averaging 0.75 goal contributions a game.

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Bruno Fernandes has a very broad skill set. He has excellent agility and with his close control, he is able to keep possession in transition, allowing his team to drive forward. He also has an impressive passing range and creativity; averaging 4 completed long balls a game and supplying his team with 2.7 key passes per game.

However, his most exciting attribute may be his striking ability. Whether it is a dead ball or a shot from outside the box, he consistently makes goalkeepers look like fools.

2.1 shots of his 3.0 a game come from outside the box. Nearly every productive goal scorer has most of their shots within the penalty box. So while his ratio could suggest he would not be quite as productive in a league with better goalkeepers, a decrease of 23 goals from midfield would still rival Paul Pogba’s 13 goals.

It’s no wonder Sporting CP have slapped a €100 million release clause in his contract, according to Metro. But both Manchester United and Juventus, the teams most heavily linked to the Portuguese midfielder, are hoping to sign him for around €58 million.

Manchester United signed Fred last summer window in hopes that he would be the key player to lead the transition from defence to offence. But his inconsistency has led to a loss of confidence in the player.

Fernandes is a much better creator than Fred, who only contributes 0.7 key passes per game. With the Portuguese’s 2.7 key passes, he would allow United to use the speed of Rashford and Martial more effectively on the break.

Juventus, on the other hand, may be looking for a midfielder with a higher output of goal contributions; considering their most productive midfielder this season is Miralem Pjanic, with 5 goals and 6 assists in all competitions this season.

One thing is for sure, whoever ends up getting his signature will be signing a gem.