Let’s be honest—replacing Kyle Walker is like trying to find a unicorn with pace, power, tactical brilliance, and the patience to play under Pep Guardiola. Yet, Manchester City might just have a glimmer of hope, and it goes by one name: Fernandes. The Benfica teenager, aged just 18, has grabbed the attention of City’s scouting department like a TikTok trend that won’t quit. And if things go their way, he might soon be trading pastel de nata for fish and chips.
Fernandes: The Kid Who Might Be Quicker Than Your Wi-Fi
At a tender age when most teens are trying to remember their Netflix password, Fernandes is already bossing right-back duties in Portugal. With ball control that whispers “Brazilian samba” and stamina that would leave a marathon runner wheezing, he doesn’t just play football—he interprets it. City scouts reportedly love how he defends like a center-back, overlaps like Cafu, and inverts into midfield as if born for Pep’s “now-you-see-me, now-you-don’t” tactics.
Why Fernandes Over Tino Livramento?
City had been flirting with Tino Livramento, but £51 million and a knee that still flinches in cold weather made them swipe left. Enter Fernandes—cheaper, younger, and possibly more Guardiola-compatible. Sure, he’s raw, but so was sushi once. With the right seasoning, Pep could turn this dish into something Michelin-worthy.
Martim and the Art of Reinventing the Full-Back Role
Let’s be clear. This isn’t just about replacing Walker’s afterburners. It’s about reimagining the position. Fernandes can defend, attack, invert, overlap, underlap, and possibly moonwalk—if Pep tells him to. In a squad that values brains as much as brawn, Fernandes could be the clay Guardiola molds into the next tactical sculpture.
In the end, it’s not just about filling Walker’s boots. It’s about strapping rocket boosters to a new pair—and Fernandes might just be ready for liftoff.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
