Earlier on Monday, French sports daily L’Equipe reported that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are planning a bold move to sign Manchester United’s talismanic midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, this summer.
The transfer pursuit was seen as part of PSG’s efforts to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappe, who departed the club as a free agent to fulfill his long-standing dream of joining Real Madrid.
However, in a twist to the unfolding transfer drama, renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has refuted these claims.
According to Romano, the Ligue 1 champions are not actively pursuing a deal for the United skipper. Instead, PSG’s focus has shifted towards securing the signature of Fernandes’ compatriot and Portugal teammate, Joao Neves, who currently plies his trade at Benfica.
🚨🔴🔵 Understand Paris Saint-Germain are currently not working on Bruno Fernandes deal.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2024
PSG full focus is on João Neves. 🇵🇹
If Bruno stays at Manchester United this summer, also new contract talks could be following step. pic.twitter.com/cPV5AQJFQq
Romano further disclosed that Manchester United are contemplating offering Bruno Fernandes a new contract to secure his services long-term, should he choose to remain at Old Trafford.
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Fernandes, 29, has been a pivotal figure for the Red Devils, and the club appears keen to retain his leadership and creative prowess on the pitch.
Adding to the speculation, Benfica’s president and Portuguese football legend, Rui Costa, recently admitted that the club has received an offer for the highly-rated Joao Neves.
It is widely believed that PSG are the interested party, aiming to lure the young midfielder with his current release clause set at €120 million (£101m/$130m).
Joao Neves, whose burgeoning talent has attracted considerable attention, represents a significant investment for any club looking to strengthen their midfield. His acquisition could signify a strategic shift for PSG as they rebuild their squad in the wake of Mbappe’s departure.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes, who played a crucial role in guiding Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, is currently enjoying a well-deserved break. Consequently, he has not joined his Manchester United teammates on their pre-season tour of the United States.
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The situation remains fluid, with PSG’s transfer strategy under intense scrutiny. The club’s ability to navigate these high-stakes negotiations will be crucial as they aim to bolster their squad and maintain their dominance in Ligue 1 while striving for European glory.
As the transfer window progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how PSG’s plans unfold. Whether Bruno Fernandes remains a cornerstone at Manchester United or Joao Neves becomes the latest star to don the PSG jersey, the coming weeks promise to bring more excitement and intrigue to the footballing world.