Antonio Valencia, the former Manchester United captain and winger, has expressed his admiration for attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes as the club's owners, INEOS, mull over the financial considerations surrounding the player's potential sale.
Fernandes has been a fixture at Old Trafford since January 2020, when he made the move from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth £68 million, including add-ons. Over the years, the Portuguese playmaker has firmly established himself as a key figure in the team, netting 111 goals and providing 109 assists in 335 appearances across all competitions.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Valencia lauded the contributions of the Manchester captain, asserting that he views Fernandes as a top-tier performer:
I think he’s an incredible footballer. He has maintained an amazingly high standard for several consecutive seasons. He’s a player of immense skill who gives everything in every match. I admire players like him—passionate on the pitch, you know?
Sometimes you can see his frustration because he would like to see a different style of play from the entire team. For me, he is undoubtedly a world-class player, and I hope he has a fantastic season both in the league and in the Champions League.
Transfer rumours and the club's financial demands
Despite Manchester United's public desire to retain their key player, discussions in the market suggest that INEOS might be open to parting ways with the 32-year-old midfielder if an offer in the region of €50–60 million (up to £51 million) materialises.
According to journalist Mark Bruce, the club’s official stance is that the Portuguese player isn't for sale. However, a deal could be on the cards for around €60 million. The pivotal question remains whether a buyer will step up to meet the asking price for an experienced leader whose current contract is nearing its end. Interest in Fernandes remains strong across Europe, and clubs may intensify their pursuits in the coming months.
Contract negotiations and renewal details
Meanwhile, Manchester United are engaged in discussions regarding a contract extension for Fernandes. As insider Fabrizio Romano reports, fans need not panic as there is still time to negotiate terms. Fernandes’s existing deal runs until 2027, inclusive of an option for an additional year that allows the club to maintain control.
However, consensus has yet to be reached. Negotiations have been complicated by several key factors: salary demands amid Marcus Rashford's recent lucrative contract that has reshaped the wage structure, the preferred duration of a new agreement, and a buyout clause of €65 million (£55.1 million) embedded in the current contract. While both parties continue to search for common ground, a final agreement is yet to be finalised.
