https://readchelsea.com/2019/02/12/chelsea-keeping-tabs-on-sportings-bruno-fernandes/

I certainly hope it's true. I really like this guy and he'd be a fantastic asset for us in midfield. A goalscoring midfielder, exactly what we need. Send Kovacic back to Madrid and sell or loan out Barkley, bring in this guy. 

This season:

21 games

11 goals

7 assists

Last season he had similar stats too. He's a hardworking midfielder and I am sure will bring that bite we need in midfield. The only issue would be his price tag. He is rated at €100m, but doubt he goes for anywhere near that tbh. Liverpool, Atletico and AC Milan are also keeping tabs. I think Utd are supposedly interested too. We have missed a goal scoring mid since Lampard. I feel this guy feels the gap left by Lamps. 

 

 

Edited February 24, 20197 yr by enigma

I think he would be a great signing, but I really wish we would have tried to get him last summer when Sporting were in turmoil.  From what I recall, there was a chance he could have been had for free or if not, then pennies on the dollar.

Definitely would improve our goal scoring and creativity in midfield.  If it were between him and Kovacic, I say we buy Fernandes and it’s not close.  He looks to be a good match for our LCM spot, but from what I can see, he might be able to serve as a backup to Jorginho in that role as well.  Would allow for more rotation in those spots, and then RLC could get plenty of game time at LCM too.

Also agree that we should move on from Barkley, we could easily recoup our 15m, he’s probably valued at a minimum of 25-30m now.

Edited February 24, 20197 yr by mwblue10
Addl thoughts added

6 hours ago, mwblue10 said:

I think he would be a great signing, but I really wish we would have tried to get him last summer when Sporting were in turmoil.  From what I recall, there was a chance he could have been had for free or if not, then pennies on the dollar.

Definitely would improve our goal scoring and creativity in midfield.  If it were between him and Kovacic, I say we buy Fernandes and it’s not close.  He looks to be a good match for our LCM spot, but from what I can see, he might be able to serve as a backup to Jorginho in that role as well.  Would allow for more rotation in those spots, and then RLC could get plenty of game time at LCM too.

Also agree that we should move on from Barkley, we could easily recoup our 15m, he’s probably valued at a minimum of 25-30m now.

Kovacic goes back to Madrid, we save ourselves 50/60m+ and sell on Bakayoko to Milan, we could bring in Fernandes. Easier said than done I admit ha. 

5 minutes ago, enigma said:

Kovacic goes back to Madrid, we save ourselves 50/60m+ and sell on Bakayoko to Milan, we could bring in Fernandes. Easier said than done I admit ha. 

One other thing is, I believe he signed a new 5 year deal last summer after all of the turmoil settled down and their president left.  Would make it more difficult, but I'm sure we could offer more in wages, so ideally the player would be open to the move.

Scored his 26th goal of the season (hes a midfielder) with this beautiful goal 

 

https://streamja.com/6E4b

 

we should have a look at him if the ban is upheld this summer !

Just more competition for RLC. Rather strengthen elsewhere.

Looking through all the rumours on the net. None of them linking us with him. United more likely.

Edited April 6, 20197 yr by Old Shaggy

5 hours ago, Old Shaggy said:

Looking through all the rumours on the net. None of them linking us with him. United more likely.

Probably a better indication that he’s not going to united then, if that’s what the internet is saying

We do need goals in midfield and we are lacking in technical "cute" players. I don't think we can run the risk of relying on Reuben to be fit all season and Barkley isn't the answer unfortunately. Also dependent on Mount coming back in.

Mount needs a PL loan next season.

Barkley can be moved on and this guy can come in. Him and Ruben can rotate that position.

4 hours ago, Zeta said:

Mount needs a PL loan next season.

Barkley can be moved on and this guy can come in. Him and Ruben can rotate that position.

This would be perfect.  We need to be able to put out a very strong midfield even with rotation.  At minimum, we should have the same amount of games next year as we have had this year, especially if we don’t make top 4 and another Europa League run is forthcoming. And if we are in the CL, then it’s just stronger opposition and better players will be needed.

Barkley is not going to cut it.  Like you said, RLC and Fernandes could rotate, but I also think Fernandes would be highly capable of rotating in Jorginho’s position as well.

hes going to city !!

3 hours ago, DidierDrogbalala said:

hes going to city !!

Be prepared to post those exact words a few times this summer!

Been some vague rumours that both Spurs and Utd are interested. I really would love him here. I think he's what we are missing. A serious goal threat from central midfield. Instead of considering £80m on Zaha, I would use that for Fernandes. I would hate to see him go to either of our rivals. 

My impression from what Liga NOS followers have said:

- Likes to burst forward

- Good movement going forward

- Good finisher for an AM - can finish chances from difficult angles

- Primarily an AM, not a CM, so he would be competition for Mount more so than Kovacic/Jorginho/Kante

- Better defensively than Barkley and has good playmaking abilities, so would likely fill in at DLP better over the long term if needed

- Very good long range passer, pretty good short range passer - better than Barkley/Mount in this respect

- Not really a box-to-box midfielder, but nonetheless energetic and should last 90 minutes pretty comfortably

- Dangerous free kick taker and long-distance shooter who can really curl his shots

- A real fighter - apparently the heart and soul of his side so he won't quit when the chips are down

- Unproven against big opposition - hasn't done all that much in the CL against superior opposition

- Not particularly fast or strong - could get bullied off the ball in the PL

The last two issues are a concern, but he could always work on his strength and maybe in a better team he'd do better against strong opponents given his mentality. I would support his purchase and have Barkley sold/loaned out. 

It's an open secret that he's about to sign for United. Close the thread.

Im surprised we haven't been interested.

Should have bought him when Sporting had all of their issues. Patricio was able to leave for free and go to Wolves. Could have had Fernandes for pennies on the dollar.

13 hours ago, jack_super_class said:

Im surprised we haven't been interested.

How do we know we were not but he picked United?

7 hours ago, mwblue10 said:

Should have bought him when Sporting had all of their issues. Patricio was able to leave for free and go to Wolves. Could have had Fernandes for pennies on the dollar.

He didn't want to leave back then because Sporting had issues

Looks to be off to United. Can't say I'm concerned. One of those blokes who is a good finisher but could struggle in a higher quality league where the defences are tighter. He doesn't have a lot of other strings to his bow and I have never really seem him make an impact for Portugal at international level.

8 hours ago, axman2526 said:

How do we know we were not but he picked United?

Because we haven't been linked to him at all and Frank likes Barkley Mount and Loftus Cheek thats why.