Atletico Madrid Eye Bruno Fernandes as Simeone Pushes for Summer Move

Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the next summer window, with Diego Simeone’s long-standing admiration for the Portugal international helping drive the club’s interest. United, however, want to keep the midfielder and are working towards a new agreement beyond his current 2027 contract.

Key takeaways

• Atletico have identified 32-year-old Fernandes as a major target for next summer.
• Manchester United signed the midfielder from Sporting CP for an initial €50 million.
• Fernandes is understood to be seeking approximately €13 million per year after tax.
• Juventus, AC Milan, Galatasaray and clubs from Saudi Arabia are also following his position.
• Atletico director Mateu Alemany is monitoring a potential opportunity as contract discussions continue.

Simeone’s admiration dates back to Sporting spell

Atletico’s interest in Fernandes is not new. Simeone first took notice of the playmaker in 2017, when Sporting CP faced the Spanish side in the Europa League. Fernandes was then establishing himself at the Lisbon club, and the Atletico coach made clear how highly he rated him.

Asked at the time which player from European football he would most like to add to his squad, Simeone named Fernandes. “If I could sign just one player from European football, it would be Bruno Fernandes,” the Argentine said.

United ultimately completed the deal Atletico could not financially reach, paying an initial €50 million to bring Fernandes to Old Trafford. He has since become the club captain and remains central to United’s plans, making any summer approach difficult.

Contract demands could shape summer market

United are attempting to agree fresh terms with Fernandes because they regard him as essential to the squad. The financial terms are expected to be the main issue, with the midfielder reportedly seeking net annual pay of about €13 million.

Should United be unable to satisfy those requirements, Atletico believe there may be an opening. Alemany, the club’s director of professional football, has a record of securing experienced high-profile players on advantageous deals, having previously brought in Ilkay Gundogan, Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Atletico also know that interest alone will not be enough in a competitive market. The club were unable to land Ferran Torres after Paris Saint-Germain put forward a stronger financial proposal, underlining the challenge they face if Fernandes becomes available.

Juventus, AC Milan and Galatasaray are keeping watch on the United captain’s situation, while substantial Saudi Arabian offers are also anticipated. Atletico would therefore need to overcome competition from across Europe and beyond if they are to reunite Simeone with a player he has wanted since Fernandes’s Sporting days.