Barcelona ‘aiming’ for Bruno Fernandes swap deal in three-way transfer battle

Barcelona are reportedly looking to engage Bruno Fernandes as part of a swap deal with Manchester United summer amid an emerging three-way transfer battle.

Rather sensational reports from Tuesday afternoon have claimed that Bruno Fernandes is open to the idea of leaving Manchester United this summer following the club’s lack of Champions League football next season.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United’s players are doubting that Fernandes will remain at the club next season.

Read More: “It’s a joke…” Erik ten Hag SLAMS Bruno Fernandes Manchester United exit rumours

Although it is also stated that United want to keep Fernandes if possible, there seems to be a very real possibility that he leaves, with the 29-year-old under contract until 2026.

According to other reports from talkSPORT, Fernandes is not actively pushing to leave United.

Barcelona’s interest

In 2020, Barcelona showed great interest in Fernandes just before United eventually signed him on the final day of January, and reports from Spain earlier this month state they are once again taking their chances on the player, aiming to propose a swap deal with United.

According to the report, “first contacts have been made” to find out how much it would cost to bring Fernandes to La Liga, signifying the first steps of any transfer. Last week, the BBC reported that it would take a “mega offer” to prise him out of Old Trafford.

It was then further explained that Xavi “would welcome him” as Fernandes is a player that the Spaniard very much appreciates. The report claims that United would be willing to include Bruno Fernandes in a deal for 26-year-old midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

Since the summer of 2022, De Jong has been of deep interest to United, and in particular, Erik ten Hag. The midfielder was meant to be part of the Dutch manager’s initial rebuilding of Old Trafford.

A three-way battle

However, Barcelona face competition. In addition to United wanting to keep the player if possible, the aforementioned report from the MEN also detailed that both Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are interested in the Portuguese international.

It is claimed that a “hefty offer” could tempt United into selling the player. This parallels with when Liverpool chose to sell star player Philippe Coutinho for a huge £142 million fee, which helped Jurgen Klopp fund an eventual Champions League and Premier League-winning team.