Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has reportedly urged the club to sign one target after the departing Casemiro had a hand in advising the club’s transfer recruitment
Manchester United appear willing to continue taking counsel from their players as they look to bolster their squad this summer. Bruno Fernandes could be the next star to steer the club towards a signing, following in the footsteps of Casemiro’s recommendation.
Despite his imminent departure, Casemiro reportedly played a key role in nudging the club towards their £39million pursuit of Ederson. The Atalanta midfielder is expected to complete his switch to Old Trafford, though the deal has been held up after a late call-up to the World Cup 2026 with Brazil.
Casemiro, 34, is said to have pointed United in the direction of his international team-mate when suggesting a potential successor. Now Fernandes could also have a significant say in reshaping his own midfield this summer.
The Telegraph revealed in May that Bruno had urged the club to pursue his namesake, Mateus Fernandes. The Portugal star, who has not been included in his nation’s World Cup squad, is widely expected to depart West Ham following their Premier League relegation.
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Much like Casemiro, he has benefited from spending additional time alongside his compatriot on international duty. Reports suggest Fernandes has spoken glowingly of his namesake to United’s hierarchy and is keen to see the club secure his signature during the transfer window.
West Ham’s Fernandes, 21, has shone since first arriving in England with Southampton in 2024. The former Sporting CP prospect was subsequently snapped up by West Ham late in last summer’s transfer window for a fee understood to be just over £40m.
Well aware the Portuguese playmaker ranks among their most prized assets, the Hammers are determined to extract maximum profit from his sale. A figure of £80m has been mooted for the player, though his eventual transfer fee could fall considerably short of that.
The Times has reported Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also an admirer of the player and could mount his own bid for his signature. This could leave Bruno with an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu.
When Declan Rice completed his £100m switch to the Emirates in 2023, it was reported Fernandes had wanted the England star at Old Trafford. He later confessed he was “really sad” that Rice opted for north London instead, and the Gunners would once again be considered formidable rivals in the race.
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Having just clinched their first Premier League title since 2004, Arsenal remain one of the most attractive destinations in world football. That is not to suggest United will be easily dismissed, however, particularly after Michael Carrick secured Champions League football for the coming season.
It’s conceivable the club did indeed heed Casemiro’s counsel by pressing ahead with their pursuit of Ederson. And the weeks ahead will reveal just how much weight they place on captain Fernandes’ opinion as they look to bring in his preferred transfer target.
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