Six midfielders Man Utd could buy to replace Bruno Fernandes as Dani Olmo shoots up shortlist

Bruno Fernandes faces an uncertain future at Manchester United and they may need to sign a replacement for the Portugal international.

TEAMtalk understands that Saudi Pro League sides Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are both interested in Fernandes. 

While the 29-year-old is a key player for Erik ten Hag’s side, United will have a big decision to make if they receive a huge offer.

Asked about his future recently, Fernandes said: “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it?

“A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.

“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.

“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”

We’ve taken a look at six attacking midfielders that United should target if Fernandes does leave Old Trafford in the summer.

Dani Olmo

Since joining RB Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2020, Olmo has established himself as one of the best players in the Bundesliga.

He’s helped the club win two DFB-Pokal titles and also scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the German Supercup in August 2023.

“You don’t get many players that have the quality he has, even in the top European leagues,” RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose said. “He’s an extraordinary footballer who’s unbelievably talented.

“Dani has the ability to dictate games and can single-handedly decide them. In addition to his quality as a player, his great character also makes him stand out. He’s fun on and off the pitch.”

The Spain international has also been one of the standout performers at Euro 2024, registering three goals and two assists at the tournament.

United are reportedly among the sides that have been monitoring the 26-year-old, who has a £50.8million release clause in his RB Leipzig contract.

Xavi Simons

Simons is widely regarded as one of the best young playmakers in the world and United have a long-standing interest in the Netherlands international.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Erik ten Hag “was really keen” to bring his compatriot to Old Trafford in the summer of 2023.

But Paris Saint-Germain triggered a £5million buy-back clause in his PSV Eindhoven contract before loaning him out to RB Leipzig for the 2023/24 campaign.

The 21-year-old registered 10 goals and 15 assists in all competitions in 2023/24 and was also named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

According to reports, Paris Saint-Germain are not prepared to consider a permanent departure but they will sanction another loan deal for the 2024/25 season.

United have reportedly contacted the Ligue 1 side over a potential deal but they could face competition from Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Eberechi Eze

Eze has been a revelation for Crystal Palace since joining the club from Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2020.

The 25-year-old registered 11 goals and four assists in the Premier League in 2023/24 and now looks ready to take that next big step in his career.

“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams,” former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand said.

“He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play.

“I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].”

He has a £60million release clause in his Palace contract and United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been credited with an interest in the England international.

Morgan Gibbs-White

Plenty of eyebrows were raised in the summer of 2022 when Nottingham Forest signed Gibbs-White for a then club-record fee that could rise to £42million.

But the 24-year-old has justified that price tag as his impressive performances have helped Forest avoid relegation to the Championship.

He created 74 chances in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season, with Fernandes, Pascal Gross, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Andreas Pereira the only players to have bettered his tally.

The midfielder also showcased his abilities against United, scoring the winner in Forest’s 2-1 victory over the Red Devils in December 2023.

While Forest have eased their profit and sustainability rules (PSR) worries by selling Orel Mangala and Moussa Niakhate, they may still sanction a move for Gibbs-White if they receive a big-money offer.

Stunning finish 💫
Cold celebration 🥶@Morgangibbs27 with a goal that will go down in City Ground folklore ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3Wx3w04w9f

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 30, 2023

Mohammed Kudus

Ten Hag will already be very familiar with Kudus, having worked with him while the pair were at Ajax together.

“Because the club is known for developing talent, I talked about that with trainer Erik ten Hag,” Kudus said when asked about his decision to join Ajax in 2020.

“In his style of play, creative and attacking, I saw myself. It was exactly in line with my personal qualities and how I wanted to develop.”

The Ghana international now plays for West Ham and enjoyed a successful debut season with the Hammers, registering 14 goals and six assists in 45 appearances in 2023/24.

While he has primarily been used as a winger at West Ham, the 23-year-old played most of his football under Ten Hag in an attacking midfield role.

The United manager has already brought Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Andre Onana to Old Trafford and could now look to reunite with another former Ajax player.

Georgiy Sudakov

A Shakhtar Donetsk academy graduate, Sudakov made his first-team debut in 2020 and has become a talismanic figure for the club.

The 21-year-old registered 10 goals and six assists in all competitions in 2023/24 and helped Shakhtar win the Ukrainian Premier League for a second consecutive season.

He has been linked with several European clubs, including United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Napoli and Barcelona.

His contract includes a £125million release clause, although Shakthar are reportedly willing to listen to offers in the region of £65million.

“This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs,” Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin said. “We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

“He will definitely move to a top European club this summer.”

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