Valencia to sign Manuel Fernandes
Monday, August 27, 2007
Article summary
Valencia CF have agreed to sign SL Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes on a six-year deal with the player believed to be undergoing medical tests on Monday.
Article body
Valencia CF have agreed to sign SL Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes on a six-year deal.
Everton loan
The Portuguese international, a product of the Benfica youth system, spent the second half of last season on loan at Premier League club Everton FC but returned to Lisbon in the summer. Although he decided to leave the club prior to Benfica's first competitive match of the season against FC København, his expected move back to England fell through.
Portuguese link
On Sunday, Valencia announced that they had signed Manuel Fernandes for an undisclosed fee, subject to medical tests, and that his contract until 2013 would have a €60m buy-out clause. At the Mestalla Stadium, he will link up with Portuguese compatriots Marco Caneira and Miguel. Both his new and old club have UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second legs in Scandinavia on Wednesday; Valencia go to IF Elfsborg with a 3-0 lead while Benfica start their trip to København 2-1 up
