It is clear to see from the stronger transfer rumours that Newcastle’s hierarchy is looking to build for the future with the likes of 22-year-old Sven Botman and 19-year-old Hugo Ekitike heavily linked going into the summer transfer window.
It now seems, according to Portuguese outfit, A Bola (via Sports Witness), that Newcastle are looking at bringing in promising 16-year-old Braga winger, Roger Fernandes.
Fernandes made the step up to the Braga first-team set-up last season after signing a professional contract when he turned 16 in November, making 25 appearances in all competitions, including the Europa League and Liga Portugal, managing to bag two goals in six appearances in Portugal’s top flight.
Braga are not looking to sell such a promising asset, already rebuffing approaches by Ajax and Borussia Dortmund, and are now bracing themselves for an approach from Newcastle who will reportedly be willing to part with €20m (rising to €25m if targets are met). There is a belief that the Magpies’ advances may be harder to turn down given their exciting project and vast wealth.
That being said, it’s unlikely that Fernandes would be allowed to move until he turns 18 in November 2023, so if Newcastle were to make a bid, the deal would likely involve Fernandes staying at Braga for a time in order to progress his development in his home country where he’s more comfortable.