Bruno Fernandes transfer to Man Utd confirmed as Portuguese star pens long-term deal

Posted Friday, January 31, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Bruno Fernandes has officially completed his move from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United.

Bruno Fernandes has completed his move to Manchester United in a deal worth up to £67.6million. Fernandes penned a five-and-a-half-year contract with an option for a further year on Thursday after passing his medical at Carrington.

Fernandes' agent Miguel Pinho was the first to confirm the transfer with a post on Instagram which read: "And finally..."

Shortly afterwards, United announced their fourth-most expensive signing, who was delighted to join the 20-time champions of England.

“My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club," he said.

"For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible, I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.

Bruno Fernandes transfer to Man Utd confirmed by his agent with contract signed (Image: Getty/Instagram: miguelrubenpinho)

"I want to thank Sporting for everything they have done for me. It is surreal to hear the nice words that have been said about me from players that used to play for this team.

"A massive thank you to Ole and everyone at Manchester United for the trust they have shown in me and I can’t wait to start to repay that on the pitch.”

United will pay Sporting Lisbon an initial £46.6m with a £4.5m in achievable add-ons to come.

Thereafter, United may have to fork out a further £12.6m based on more difficult variables which include Fernandes winning the Ballon d'Or.

Fernandes will be a welcome addition to Solskjaer's midfield, which has been starved of creativity this season.

The Portuguese has scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions this term after making 50 goal contributions across 2018/19.

Solskjaer welcomed the 25-year-old to United with a beaming smile and said: "We have been tracking Bruno for many months and everyone here has been tremendously impressed with all his attributes and what he will bring to this team.

"Most importantly he is a terrific human being with a great personality and his leadership qualities are clear for all to see.

Bruno Fernandes transfer to Man Utd confirmed as Portuguese star pens long-term deal
Bruno Fernandes poses with Miguel Pinho at Carrington training ground (Image: Getty)

"Bruno’s goals and assists stats speak for themselves, he will be a fantastic addition to our team and he will help us push on in the second part of the season.

"The winter break is coming at a perfect time for us to integrate Bruno into the squad and for him to get to know his team-mates.”

Fernandes was desperate to join United after learning of their interest, not being swayed by a late bid from Barcelona this week.

The Spanish giants' intervention appeared to kick United into gear, with the Red Devils swiftly upping their initial bid which was rejected over two weeks ago.

Fernandes said an emotional goodbye to Sporting fans on Wednesday through the club's YouTube channel.

"There were important moments that made a mark on my career," he said in a heartfelt video. I went through many positive things and many negative things.

“I want people to remember me for the positives and I will always remember Sporting for the positives. The fans, the people who worked with me, the players, everything.

“Me and my family were always well-received, we had lots of kindness from everyone, nothing was ever missing. For the two-and-a-half years I was here, I can only thank them for everything.

“I hope that you stay with good memories of me and I will always take you in my heart.”