Manchester United have confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon in a deal that could reach £67.7m.
Fernandes, 25, had been strongly linked with the Reds since the summer and finally joined United just before the end of the January transfer window on a five and a half year contract with the option of a further year.
He has made 19 appearances for Portugal and was a member of the squad that lifted the 2019 UEFA Nations League and joins with a strong reputation for creativity, risk taking, and involvement in goals, with 63 goals and 52 assists in 137 appearances for Sporting.
Fernandes was delighted to join the club that his international countryman, Cristiano Ronaldo, had cemented his reputation with.
He said: “My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club.
”For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible, I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.
“I want to thank Sporting for everything they have done for me.
“It is surreal to hear the nice words that have been said about me from players that used to play for this team.
“A massive thank you to Ole and everyone at Manchester United for the trust they have shown in me and I can’t wait to start to repay that on the pitch.”
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added:
“We have been tracking Bruno for many months and everyone here has been tremendously impressed with all his attributes and what he will bring to this team.
“Most importantly he is a terrific human being with a great personality and his leadership qualities are clear for all to see.
“Bruno’s goals and assists stats speak for themselves, he will be a fantastic addition to our team and he will help us push on in the second part of the season.
“The winter break is coming at a perfect time for us to integrate Bruno into the squad and for him to get to know his team-mates.”
Solskjaer may not be finished in the transfer market – the Norwegian hinted that he would be looking for a striker after the Carabao Cup win over Manchester City.
He said: “We need someone who wants to break their nose or toe to score.”