Fabio Vieira has been in fine form for FC Porto's youth team this season (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Bournemouth were planning a summer swoop for Portuguese playmaker Fabio Vieira earlier this month.
The 20-year-old Vieira currently plays for Porto in the Portuguese top-flight and has made his breakthrough this season, featuring in two of their last three league games. Vieira, who is a regular within the Porto B side, has also impressed with one assist in the senior team’s last league game against Boavista, giving a fair idea of his talent.
Vieira has been excellent for their B side, scoring seven goals and providing three assists from 23 appearances in the Liga Pro this season, that saw him break into the first-team line-up recently.
Vieira has also become a key player for Portugal’s under-21 side, after netting in two goals in his first-ever appearance for the national youth side as recently as in November last year.
With the young midfielder turning heads with his on-field displays at both club and country level, Premier League side Bournemouth have expressed an interest in him. (h/t The Sun)
The report also claims that manager Eddie Howe has tabled an opening offer of £5m plus bonuses. The Cherries manager is keen to bring the upcoming talent to Vitality Stadium before he establishes himself within the Porto squad and becomes priced out of his reach. (h/t The Sun)
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are fighting for their survival in the top-flight following a string of poor displays that saw them dip to 18th in the league this term.
Bournemouth’s current situation means that Howe would most probably lose a lot of recognized faces in his squad whether they stay in the top-flight or get relegated. The Cherries are already set to lose their star performer and winger Ryan Fraser after the 26-year-old rejected a short-term contract extension offered by the club recently.
Fraser will be a free agent at the end of this month can now listen to offers from other clubs. Bournemouth are on the verge of losing one of their most prized assets. Also, with midfielders such as Andrew Surman and Dan Gosling already past their thirties, Bournemouth are in need of some young and new faces in their squad ahead of next season.
Considering all this, Bournemouth should once again revive their interest in Vieira as he could prove to be an excellent future signing for Cherries. The 20-year-old has primarily featured on the right flank for Porto and would add more depth on the flank for Howe’s side, following the departure of Ryan Fraser.
Having proved himself by breaking into Porto’s senior side this season, there is no questioning young Vieira’s talents. Bournemouth are losing Ryan Fraser this summer and more players could follow suit.
Hence, signing a young and upcoming talent like Vieira, who would add depth to the squad would be a good move by the club. He also has plenty of time to develop and can be an excellent future investment by the Cherries.
