Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could still leave the club this summer as interest remains in him from across Europe and elsewhere.
Manchester United’s transfer window has already been more than expected, as Jason Wilcox has spent over £200 million on just four players, despite missing out on European football last season.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Premier League sides were always going to cost a heavy price, but over £60 million for both players is very expensive, especially considering Alejandro Garnacho could cost Chelsea less than £50 million.
The deal for Diego Leon was a smart one: a low fee for a promising left-back who could immediately provide competition for Patrick Dorgu, and could start on Wednesday Evening.
Benjamin Šeško was another expensive addition, but he could become the starting centre forward for years if Rúben Amorim can develop him correctly, following Rasmus Hojlund’s pending departure on loan.
There could still be another twist in the tale as Bruno Fernandes is still receiving interest for a transfer this summer, despite turning down a move earlier in the window.
Fernandes could leave and fund Baleba transfer
The United captain rejected an offer from Al Hilal earlier in the summer, which would’ve seen the Red Devils add £100 million to their transfer budget, and Kobbie Mainoo promoted to a starting spot.
Jamie Jackson of The Guardian has reported that United could receive another bid from Saudi Arabia for Fernandes before the end of the transfer window, leaving Wilcox with a difficult decision to make.
If United did sell the midfielder, the funds could be used to sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, even though a move appeared to be muted earlier in the month after the price tag was revealed.
The Guardian continued to say that Brighton’s minimum fee for Baleba would be £100 million, which was the figure of the original Fernandes offer. A deal is not impossible.
Baleba-Fernandes deal would solve United’s problems
United have started this season with a great performance against Arsenal but a disappointing defeat, and a loss to Fulham, where they should’ve capitalised on their period of dominance.
However, Red Devils fans remain unhappy due to rumours suggesting Mainoo could leave the club. The young midfielder’s departure would be a catastrophe for United, as they would be losing their identity as a club that trusts its academy.
Mainoo is playing backup to the captain Fernandes and will struggle for game time if he remains at the club. The other midfielder – either Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte – is responsible for more defensive work, but both options have struggled this season.
If Baleba joins the club, he would be chosen ahead of Casemiro and Ugarte, and Mainoo would start alongside him as Fernandes would have left for Saudi Arabia.
There is no questioning Fernandes’ ability, but is he the best choice to play in Amorim’s double pivot? Would his sale improve United’s chances in the Premier League? It is a difficult one to call.
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