Real Madrid is reportedly preparing a significant offer to sign Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Representatives of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti have been scouting Fernandes at almost every Manchester United game, both home and away, this season.
Real Madrid anticipates that acquiring Fernandes would require a fee of around £90 million.
If this transfer occurs, it would become Manchester United`s most expensive player sale, surpassing the £80 million Real Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
Real Madrid is planning a squad revamp at the end of the current season, potentially including the free transfer signing of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Fernandes is considered a key target and a possible long-term replacement for Luka Modric, 39, whose contract is expiring this summer.
Bruno Fernandes` performance has been a highlight for Manchester United during a disappointing season where they are currently 13th in the Premier League and facing a historically low finish.
Last summer, there were rumors of him leaving after he acknowledged that a transfer was “possible”.
However, the 30-year-old midfielder signed a new contract extension in August, committing to the club until 2027 with a salary of £3250,000 per year.
His ambition to win major trophies might make a move to Real Madrid appealing.
Fernandes is Manchester United`s most productive player this season, contributing 16 goals and assists, including eight goals in the Premier League and four in the Europa League.
Manchester United often relies on Fernandes to create decisive moments in matches, and he is consistently available for selection.
He recently disclosed that he received an offer to leave last year but chose to stay, expressing his belief in the club`s potential for success.
Manchester United manager will be keen to retain Fernandes, but an offer from Real Madrid could present a difficult decision for the club`s financially constrained management.
Manchester United`s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has openly discussed the club`s financial challenges.
Ratcliffe stated that Manchester United was at risk of running out of funds this year, justifying his controversial cost-cutting measures.
It is reported that Manchester United is willing to consider substantial offers for all players in their squad.
However, Fernandes stands out, as he is arguably Manchester United`s most successful signing 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 for Manchester United across all competitions.
However, opinions on Fernandes are divided; some critics point to his negative body language and displays of frustration.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is among those who believe Fernandes should not be the team captain.
When discussing Fernandes being seen as Manchester United`s saviour, Keane retorted, “Save us? They are 13th in the league, and he`s saving them? Talent alone is not enough. Bruno is talented, but talent isn`t everything.”
Ian Wright, Keane`s co-host on `Stick to Football`, disagreed, stating, “No, not Bruno. Manchester United would be relegated without him.”
Keane responded dismissively, “You know what, Wrighty? I`ve had enough of that nonsense.”
Since Keane`s harsh criticism, Fernandes has responded strongly, seemingly silencing his critics, though he admitted the criticism “wasn`t nice to hear”.
He scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 Europa League victory against Real Sociedad earlier this month.
This was followed by a superb, albeit controversial, free-kick goal against Arsenal in the Premier League shortly after.
Fernandes recently expressed his ambition to surpass Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Manchester United`s all-time scoring charts and to reach 300 appearances for the club.
Many Manchester United fans believe Fernandes deserves to be competing for major trophies, in addition to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup he has already won with the club.
