Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
Josh Lawless
Bruno Fernandes has been tipped to make a mammoth move away from Manchester United, who are poised to sell four players in January.
In the summer, Fernandes was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League - with Al Hilal said to have made a tempting offer and held discussions with his agent.
Despite the opportunity to earn a hefty salary whilst playing with Portugal pals Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, the United skipper decided to remain at Old Trafford, stating he wanted "to play at the highest level and compete for major titles".
However, despite having a contract until 2027 with the option of a 12-month extension, he continues to be linked with a move away from United - with Barcelona regularly touted as a potential destination.
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Gaizka Mendieta, who played 47 times on loan at Barca in the 2002/03 season, is supportive of the transfer and believes Fernandes would be a huge with the Blaugrana's fans.
Speaking to Casinostugan, via Goal, Mendieta said: "Look at Ilkay Gundogan. He came to Barca also in his thirties, so in terms of age, not too much to worry about if Bruno Fernandes wants the move. Talent-wise, he has all the time that he needs for a player to succeed in La Liga. It's obviously about how he feels about it.
"He's obviously the captain at Man Utd. Maybe the fact that he's not playing in a position where he would prefer could influence him. I cannot see why he couldn’t go to La Liga, to Barca, especially.
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"Again, I think players love those challenges, different countries, different leagues, winning trophies in different leagues, and I'm sure it crossed his mind many times. But again, it's about ambition, it's about his situation there. In the same way I would love to see Vinicius Junior in the Premier League, I would love to see Fernandes in La Liga. Barcelona fans would love him, 100%. His character, both talent-wise and personality-wise."
A No.10 by trade, Fernandes has been deployed in a deeper role in Ruben Amorim's system this season. United are seventh in the table after 13 games played.
But reports indicate that there could be a raft of departures at United in the January window as they look to free up funds for new recruits.
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According to ESPN, United want to add to new midfielders to the ranks and like the look of Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller - understood to be the only target "likely to be affordable and available"
Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliott Anderson, three of the best in the role in the Premier League, are also on United's shortlist but may price out the Red Devils.
As per the report, United are willing to listen to offers for four players - with Joshua Zirkzee, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Tyrell Malacia all allowed to leave for the right fee.
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Despite scoring against Crystal Palace, Zirkzee has still failed to convince and is essentially United's third-choice striker.
Mainoo, meanwhile, remains unfancied by Amorim after asking to leave on loan in the summer window to boost his chances of making England's World Cup squad.
Ugarte has struggled to nail down a regular spot in his second stint playing under Amorim, while Malacia was initially in the club's 'bomb squad' in the summer.
While the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho found new clubs, Malacia did not.
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However, the Dutchman impressed Amorim with his attitude and application - to the point where he was allowed to be integrated into the squad.
Still, he is yet to make a single appearance this season.