Bruno Fernandes eyed by Barca as Man Utd plot January moves
Bruno Fernandes’ future has come under scrutiny once again, even though Manchester United insist they are not actively looking to move on their captain. Interest from Barcelona, however, has quietly resurfaced, and the situation could become more complicated as the January window nears.
The timing is notable. United are preparing for a reshuffle behind the scenes, and several players may be moved on to rebalance the squad and free up funds.
When a club heads into a period of transition, other teams tend to circle and Barcelona, according to recent reporting from Goal, have continued to keep tabs on Fernandes’ situation.
A familiar rumour with new ingredients
Fernandes turned down a lucrative approach from Saudi side Al Hilal last summer, something Goal and other outlets reported at the time. He said then that his ambition was to “play at the highest level and compete for major titles,” a statement widely interpreted as a sign he intended to remain in Europe for the foreseeable future.
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Barcelona’s interest has never entirely faded, even though their financial limits have forced them to be selective. According to an interview Gaizka Mendieta gave to Casinostugan, cited by Goal, the former Spain midfielder believes Fernandes would be a stylistic fit and that supporters would embrace him quickly.
Mendieta pointed to Ilkay Gündogan’s success in his thirties as evidence that age would not be a barrier.
Whether Barcelona could actually make a competitive offer is a separate matter entirely. Much of their squad planning hinges on player sales, and their budget situation remains unpredictable.
Changing dynamics at Old Trafford
Under new head coach Ruben Amorim, Fernandes has played in a deeper midfield role more often than he has in previous seasons. It is too early to say how he feels about the adjustment, but the shift has inevitably sparked speculation about his long-term role in the team.
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United sit seventh after 13 league matches, and although performances have improved in spells, the club remains in the middle of a broader rebuild.
ESPN reports that United are preparing to listen to offers for several squad players in January as they try to refresh the midfield and introduce a more balanced wage structure.
Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller is described as one realistic target, while Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliott Anderson are also being assessed though their price tags could complicate any negotiations.
According to ESPN, the club is prepared to consider bids for Joshua Zirkzee, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Tyrell Malacia. Each faces a different set of circumstances.
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Zirkzee has shown flashes, including a recent goal against Crystal Palace, but has yet to lock down a regular starting role. Mainoo reportedly explored a loan last summer to strengthen his England chances and has struggled to re-establish favour under Amorim.
Ugarte has found minutes harder to come by in his second spell with the Portuguese manager, and Malacia who worked his way back into the group after initially being sidelined has still not featured this season.
A broader picture emerging
None of this means Fernandes is on the verge of leaving, and people close to the situation suggest any move would depend on multiple factors aligning.
But the combination of Barcelona’s ongoing interest, United’s tactical adjustments and the upcoming squad reset ensures that his name will continue to surface in transfer conversations.
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For now, the captain remains central to United’s plans though as the January window approaches, the landscape could shift quickly.
Sources: Goal, ESPN.
