Manchester United committed to a total of £67.7 million for Bruno Fernandes in January when the club struck a deal with Sporting.
Bruno has been worth every penny and more, and United probably wish the deal was done a lot sooner.
Of the overall fee, United paid just £46.6 million. The club have subsequently paid add-on fees for £840,000 after he made 25 starts, and £4.2 million after he helped the club qualify for the Champions League.
Once again, these were add-ons worth paying, and simply a way for United to spread the payment around. Fernandes is already repaying United with impressive performances in the Champions League, with three goals already this season.
Last week Fernandes won UEFA’s goal of the week after his sumptuous half-volley to open the scoring against Istanbul Basaksehir.
His impressive performances have a chance to trigger further payments.
The add-ons United could pay
The Times reports United will owe Sporting £4.5 million if Fernandes wins the PFA Player of the Year.
This fee can be paid up to a limit of three times. The figure could also be paid if Fernandes finishes in the top three of the Ballon d’Or voting.
This year’s Ballon d’Or is controversially not being held. Fernandes can start to mount his case for 2021.
It is always a long shot for any player to break the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly, but this has to change at some point.
Fernandes has the stage now in the Champions League, and if he can lead United late into the knockout rounds and then star at Euro 2021 for Portugal, then he has a chance.
The PFA Player of the Year Award may be the more likely route to triggering a bonus payment to Sporting.
Fernandes has continued his form at the end of last season and in the Premier League alone this year he has scored seven goals and provided three assists from nine games.
If he continues to show this type of production throughout the season then Fernandes will become one of the favourites to scoop the individual gong.
A lot can happen between now and May, but Fernandes is putting up a very strong argument so far.
Harry Kane has the strongest alternative case. He is the only player with more goals and assists combined in the league right now.
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