Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for Cole Palmer, with captain Bruno Fernandes thought to be considering his long-term future.
Bruno Fernandes is considering his future at Manchester United (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes is once again understood to be considering a future with Manchester United, less than 12 months after receiving an offer from the Saudi Professional League club.
The Red Devils captain was the subject of serious transfer interest from the Saudi club in the summer. The Portugal international even clarified that he was “hurt” by the club’s hierarchy over the perception that the club was trying to sell him.
His contract runs until 2027, with an option to extend for another year, so interest in him is once again guaranteed. And Fernandes is now 31 years old, and he knows he’s nearing his last major payday when it comes to his contract.
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Despite Fernandes deciding to remain at Old Trafford in the summer, rumors of a lucrative move to the Middle East persist. But no one seems willing to shut down talk of a transfer forever.
United bosses were willing to make a cash grab last summer and their stance appears to be softening, but as revealed by Mirror Football on Monday, they may need to make him one of the club’s best players on a wage of around £400,000-a-week to woo him.
The possibility of acquiring Fernandes comes with the big caveat that he remains the team’s best player. And he shows no signs of slowing down. There is no doubt that if he impresses beyond the end of the season and remains in the job, replacing a player of his quality will be a major challenge, regardless of who United choose to be their next permanent head coach, or who they choose for Carrick.
Cole Palmer is said to have concerns and is linked with Manchester United (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
However, signing a player of Cole Palmer’s quality, if it happens, would help significantly soften the blow of Fernandes’ departure.
The Chelsea playmaker, who has developed into one of the Premier League’s most attacking midfielders, is said to be uncomfortable at Stamford Bridge and is open to a return to the North West. The Sun claimed the 23-year-old would even “welcome” interest from United, whom he supported in his youth.
Considering Palmer’s contract runs through 2033, the deal won’t come cheap. However, there is also the prospect that the club could finance such a move by allowing a major release like Fernandes.
If he is ready to explore pastures new, and big money is on the table, plus the prospect of securing a viable replacement for Palmer, United’s leaders would be mad not to at least consider it.
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