Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes is reportedly the subject of revitalised interest from in-crisis Tottenham Hotspur. Mauricio Pochetino’s side attempted to sign the Portuguese number 10 over the summer but failed in their efforts to do so, instead bringing in Giovani Lo Celso on loan from Real Betis. But, while Lo Celso is a footballer of undeniable talent, Fernandes very much remains the holy grail.
If Spurs are to secure his signature, they will have to fend off competition from a myriad of top clubs from around Europe. Real Madrid and Manchester United are reportedly watching Fernandes’s development at Sporting Lisbon with keen interest, ready to make a bid if they feel he fulfils their criteria and a deal is financially possible.
Should that be the case, Tottenham will struggle to make New White Heart Lane look a more attractive destination than either the Bernabeu or Old Trafford. Spurs are in free-fall after a crushing 7-2 humiliation to Bayern Munich and a 3-0 defeat to Bright and Hove Albion. If they are to lure Fernandes to North London, there will have to be a dramatic upturn in their form – one would think Champions League qualification is a bare minimum.
There is also the pressing issue of finances. Spurs would probably have to shell out in excess of £60 million in order to sign the fantastista. With the costs involved in building their new stadium dramatically impacting their bank balance, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will have to make absolutely sure this transfer is realistic before making an official bid.
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