This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has been making waves in the Premier League since his move from Sporting Lisbon in January. However, the Portugal international's transfer is at the heart of a dispute that has caught the attention of FIFA.
Italian side Sampdoria claim that they are owed £4million following Fernandes' January switch to Manchester United. The Serie A side sold Fernandes to Sporting in 2017 in a £7.5million deal, with a clause that they would receive 10 per cent of any future profit made on the player.
Manchester United signed Fernandes for an initial fee of £47million, which could rise to £67million. However, Sampdoria have yet to receive the payment they believe they are owed.
The dispute between Sampdoria and Sporting Lisbon is unrelated to Manchester United, whose fans have been delighted with Fernandes' performances so far. The Portugal international has scored twice and assisted three times in his first five Premier League games, and was also awarded the Premier League Player of the Month award for February.
According to reports, Sporting Lisbon are in contact with Sampdoria and litigation has begun, with FIFA keeping abreast of the situation.
It is worth noting that Fernandes unilaterally rescinded his contract with Sporting Lisbon one year after joining the club, citing the attack on the team's training ground by their own fans. However, he later re-signed with the club as a free agent, which Sporting believe means they do not owe Sampdoria a cut.
