Every time the rumours of a potential summer exit from Manchester United for Bruno Fernandes quieten down, they seem to resurface. There’s seemingly no escaping the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Having admitted that he is happy to stay as long as he feels wanted by those in charge, the latest concerning update surrounding Fernandes came with the news that his agent had been talking with a number of top sides, with the Portugal international yet to decide whether to stay or go.
If he is to depart United, here are five potential destinations for Fernandes.
5. Barcelona
Flick is looking to build a new team / Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/GettyImages
Barcelona are always looking to sign new players on their quest to compete with Real Madrid once again, and they would definitely be interested in a player of Fernandes’ calibre.
The issue here, however, is the fact that Fernandes would cost actual money – something Barcelona still don’t have.
Reports suggest Barca could send players to United in exchange, and while that is obviously feasible, the chances of striking such a deal and keeping everyone happy are incredibly slim.
Likeliness rating: 1/10
4. Saudi Arabia
Could Fernandes reunite with Ronaldo? / Jean Catuffe/GettyImages
A known target for clubs in Saudi Arabia, Fernandes may be forced to question whether his time in Europe has come to an end.
With two league titles and three domestic cups to his name, he has certainly enjoyed his time in Europe, but there is clearly a lot left for him to accomplish and his time left at the top of the game – he turns 30 in September – is obviously fading.
Fernandes comes across as an ambitious player who is unlikely to be swayed by the riches on offer in the Middle East, making this one hard to picture.
Likeliness rating: 2/10
3. Inter
Inter have been linked with Fernandes / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages
Right, on to actual genuine options. Let’s start with Inter, who have been credited with an interest in Fernandes from reports in England. He even has a personal history in Italian football, leaving home at 17 to make it as a pro.
The Serie A champions are winning the battle for domestic supremacy and are keen to take that success over to the European stage, and somebody of Fernandes’ quality would obviously help that goal.
Inter aren’t blessed with a huge transfer kitty, however, and Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 setup also doesn’t seem to lend itself to Fernandes’ talents.
Likeliness rating: 5/10
2. PSG
Fernandes could help replace Mbappe / Franco Arland/GettyImages
Undoubtedly blessed with the money needed to sign Fernandes, Paris Saint-Germain also happen to be on the hunt for more superstar talent to replace Kylian Mbappe.
If Fernandes actually hit the market, PSG would definitely consider a move. They’re looking for the missing piece to their midfield puzzle alongside Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery, and Fernandes would make a lot of sense here.
The only question for PSG is whether an almost 30 year old, fits the profile of their project. It seems as though the French side want to build around younger talents, but they may make an exception for someone like Fernandes.
Likeliness rating: 7/10
1. Bayern Munich
Fernandes could replace Muller / Stefan Matzke – sampics/GettyImages
This summer is a strange one for Bayern Munich, who are facing a level of pressure they may not have even believed was possible just 12 months ago. Having finished third in the Bundesliga and failed to reach the Champions League final, Bayern are almost in a state of turmoil.
The squad needs strengthening both quickly and aggressively, so they would definitely be interested in a move for Fernandes, who could help out in the Thomas Muller role and even offer cover for the oft-injured wingers.
Bayern won’t spend a crazy sum, but they’re happy to splash out on the right player. They paid the best part of £100m for Harry Kane and could probably be tempted to spend something similar for Fernandes.
Likeliness rating: 8/10