Manchester United have been linked with several Sporting CP players over the past six months.
Ever since Ruben Amorim took charge, several of his players from Sporting have found themselves discussed alongside a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United is still interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer, with the Swede breaking all kinds of goal-scoring records with the Portuguese champions over the past season.
Elsewhere, Ineos were very keen to sign Geovany Quenda before Chelsea agreed to sign him, with a pre-deal seeing him officially arrive in 2026. In addition, there was interest from United in signing Francisco Trincao.
Goncalo Inacio and Morten Hjulmand are two others who have been linked with moves to rejoin their former boss, but now United are showing interest in a player who can be the direct replacement for Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United plan Pedro Goncalves swoop
With the sheer volume of quality players Amorim had at Sporting, it is no shock that United and half of Europe are circling. This summer, one position United may need is a replacement for Fernandes as he weighs up his Saudi offer.
Well, now A Bola in Portugal has claimed that Amorim has Pedro Goncalves in his plans this summer, with interest expected to grow further if Fernandes is sold.
United are considering the Sporting star and weighing up the possibility of moving forward with an offer for Amorim’s former player.
Sporting are insisting that they receive Goncalves’ £67m release clause this summer if they are to sell the talented Portuguese midfielder.
Goncalves is holding off on signing a new contract to see what happens in the market before deciding. Goncalves is a talented footballer, but there is no chance United pay £67m when he is probably worth half of that.
Ruben Amorim’s Sporting exit left Goncalves in tears
Goncalves is coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued season, yet he managed 12 goal contributions in 20 games. In terms of his qualities, Goncalves is quite similar to Fernandes, yet not as talented or effective.
However, Amorim loved Goncalves at Sporting, with the player left distraught when the head coach left last November.
Goncalves is quoted by Canal 11, via the Express, as having revealed the tight bond he shared with Amorim.
“I wouldn’t be here today [without him].
“We had a very strong bond, both professionally and personally. He liked my wife very much and was concerned about my well-being, both on the field and in my family life. He knew when players were happy or sad, and he knew exactly what to say.
“We were sad. I started crying because I really liked him, and I was sad. I never told him not to go; I wished him good luck. The players understood. He was like a father to us. We were sad, but we understood. I wish him the best of luck.”
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