Long-term Spurs target Bruno Fernandes looks to have put an end to any transfer speculation by signing a new contract with Sporting Lisbon, which reportedly includes a significant buyout clause.
The news was announced on Sporting Lisbon’s official page (via HotspurRelated), that Fernandes had signed a new deal with the club which will see his salary increased.
The 25-year-old midfielder has been a target of several European clubs for some time and it was reported earlier this week that new Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Sporting captain.
Fernandes has been in scintillating form for Sporting this season; with eight goals and six assists for the Liga NOS side, which has naturally attracted the attention of teams across Europe. The Portuguese international was seen by many as a potential long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen, who looks set to leave Spurs on a free transfer in the summer, but Fernandes’ contract now reportedly including an £85 million release clause.
Is Fernandes still a viable option for Spurs after his new contract?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to the news of Fernandes’ new contract can be seen in the tweets below.
Why would he do that…
— The Jose Effect (@EffectJose) November 26, 2019
100m eur release clause, should put an end to any speculation
— Chippy (@chippy_the_guv) November 26, 2019
That’s so dumb honestly
— H.M.COYS7 ( LoCelsoSZN ) (@COYSLP7v2) November 27, 2019
Oh this isn’t good
— Adam Houckham (@adman1981) November 27, 2019
This is about leverage for Sporting come January or Summer when they sell him.
— Tottenham Loyal (@TottenhamLoyal) November 27, 2019
He looks like a Spurs player.
— Tom (@KaneIsAbelRisen) November 26, 2019
we were so close pic.twitter.com/K2jdv6hChK
— Sydney Spurs (@sydneyspurs) November 26, 2019
Spurs fans are clearly upset that Fernandes has signed a new contract with Sporting, although some feel that a move is still possible if they can buy him for lower than his release clause.
What do we think?
Although he has signed a new contract, it would be a surprise if Fernandes didn’t want a move to a bigger European club in the near future and the release clause may just be a way of the club getting more money for him either in January or in the summer. You would expect someone, not necessarily Spurs, to make a move for the £54 million-rated man in the near future if his incredible form continues.