Manchester City’s interest in Nuno Mendes seems to be over, with Sporting CP preparing for next season under the assumption that the youth will still be part of their group.
Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the Portuguese international and was considered to set up a summer move in an attempt to strengthen his options on the left side of the defense.
The Catalan tactician has in recent seasons not been able to settle on a first-left back with Benjamin Mendy, Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko who have all been given opportunities to cement their place in the role.
Sporting had agreed that they would be forced to make money on their valuable asset and were willing to accept an offer of 55 million euros (47.1 million pounds), although the Portuguese news agency A Bola (via Sport Witness) reports that no bid has yet to be done and Sporting are therefore planning for next season under the assumption that Mendes will still be at the club.
The report adds that the process has now been “frozen” with Sporting wanting to generate transfer funds in other ways, although there may still be a lifeline for City’s quest for the 19-year-old.
Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes rule out Portugal’s Euro 2020 collision with Germany
Portugal’s duo Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes have been ruled out of their teams’ Euro 2020 collision with Germany through injury
Ross Jackson
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June 19, 2021
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Mende’s current deal includes a € 70m release clause, which means Sportsing’s hands would be tied if City resumed their efforts and triggered the clause, but it would see that they paid over the odds compared to the fee that Sporting was originally requesting.
Nuno Mendes is currently away with Portugal at Euro 2020 / Carlos Rodrigues / Getty Images
Mendes enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Sporting last season and featured in 29 of his team’s 34 league trips when they were named Portuguese champions for the first time since 2002.
His fantastic performances have seen him gain international recognition with Portugal, although he has not yet made his major international tournament debut after being named Fernando Santos’ 26-man squad for Euro 2020 – and in the 90-minute Our 21 series.
