As Manchester United have seen in recent years, agents who are sometimes renowned as ‘super agents’ like to throw their weight around to a point it now feels like they hold significant power over players and act regularly to put pressure on clubs.
Jorge Mendes is a well-known name among United fans. Not for convincing Sir Alex Ferguson to sign Bebe, but for working closely with Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Old Trafford. He was one agent the Scot didn’t seem to mind having represent his players — but maybe that was sheer favouritism because he held the pen for Ronaldo.
He also played a key role in taking Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon to United, but he’s in a bit of bother after reports emerged that police had conducted various raids in a money laundering investigation, as reported by The Guardian.
It was clear from media coverage — such as this from The Express — that Mendes had involvement in Fernandes’ transfer to United.
READ MORE: Photo: Ighalo looks happy during Man Utd training – striker could start against Derby
Several clubs in Portugal have had their offices raided too as part of this investigation, but it’s not yet clear who is the prime suspect at this point.
Jorge Mendes' homes and offices searched in money laundering investigation. Almost 300 officers involved in today's operation that also saw them search Benfica and Porto's offices and homes of players Jackson Martinez, Maxi Pereira and Danilo Pereira…. https://t.co/XBrxmJFXeU
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) March 4, 2020
Mendes also has a big influence on operations at fellow Premier League club Wolves. You can see that by the influx of Portuguese players that have joined the club in recent years.
Ruben Neves is one particular Wolves player we’d like to see Mendes take to United, though that very much depends on what comes of this investigation.
It is suggested that the transfers of players like Radamel Falcao and James Rodriquez could be involved, so we’ll have updates as they arise.
Hopefully the Fernandes deal has nothing to do with it, although Mendes is not his agent — he was only involved in the deal as an intermediary.
Fernandes is represented by Rui Guimaraes.
