Bruno Fernandes scored one and assisted the other as Premier League runners-up Liverpool were held to a pre-season draw in the Bronx.
Bruno Fernandes certainly showed what all the fuss is about when Liverpool took on Sporting Lisbon in the latest leg of their US tour.
With 32 goals and 18 assists to his name last season, plus a Nations League winner’s medal, there’s a reason why barely a day has gone by without Fernandes being linked with a big-money move to the Premier League.
But the raw stats are one thing. There’s no substitute for watching a player in the flesh and, if Liverpool fans had Fernandes on trial during that thrilling 2-2 draw in the Bronx, then he passed his audition with flying colours.
It was the Portugal international who opened the scoring with a trademark long-range rocket, albeit with a helping hand from an unfortunately on-brand Simon Mignolet. And Fernandes showcased his wonderful vision too with a perfectly weighted assist for Wendell in the second half.
Liverpool have been linked with the former Udinese man all summer, Correio de Manha claiming that they offered £40 million in June. But with Sporting president Frederico Verandas claiming that he won’t be sold for a penny less than £55 million (Goal), Liverpool fans can kiss their dreams goodbye.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Klopp made it clear that Fernandes wasn’t going to arrive at Anfield this summer.
And there is more than a hunt of frustration emanating from a Liverpool fan base desperate for a marquee signing or two.
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