​Manchester United have injected much-needed creativity into their midfield this window, with both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos renowned for their ability to pick out line-breaking passes. Their arrivals should help Michael Carrick’s side pin opponents back, control possession, and unlock compact defences. In particular, the thought of seeing the Belgian maestro alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the engine room is undeniably exciting. Yet, the United captain faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford as the new season approaches.
Galatasaray, who flexed their financial muscle last year by signing Victor Osimhen, are now pushing to bring Bruno Fernandes to Istanbul. According to Haber Sarıkırmızı via Sport Witness, the Turkish giants have made signing a number ten a priority this summer. Fernandes, who was statistically the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League last season, is believed to be at the top of Galatasaray’s list. “Galatasaray are in talks with young players for the wing positions, but I expect this transfer to be finalised once the number 10 and striker slots have been sorted out,” said Süleyman Rodop of Ajans1905. “The asking price for Bruno Fernandes is €50 million, and negotiations will revolve around that figure. However, Fernandes’s annual salary expectations are €20 million clearly stated.”
The Portuguese playmaker, who will turn 32 in September, remains United’s most reliable outlet despite his aging legs. Given his importance, it is hard to imagine United agreeing to sell him for only €50 million (£42.7 million). Nevertheless, Turkish outlets appear to be far more optimistic about a potential exit. Ahead of the World Cup, The Peoples Person reported that United were prepared to offer Fernandes a new deal. “Manchester United are preparing to reward skipper Bruno Fernandes with a staggering new £375,000-a-week contract as they look to tie down their talismanic midfielder for the long term, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal,” claimed the piece. INEOS are said to view the Portugal international as the heartbeat of the team and are eager to build their next era around him. At present, Fernandes has less than 12 months remaining on his contract in Manchester.