MANCHESTER United captain Bruno Fernandes has turned down three lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia this summer including a direct push from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr but sources suggest this could be his final season at Old Trafford and the skipper is consiedring a Saudi move now.
According to talkSPORT, Fernandes was a top target for PIF-owned Saudi Pro League clubs, with Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad all attempting to lure him away from the Premier League.
Fernandes, 30, was closest to joining Al-Hilal, who were prepared to pay over £80 million if the midfielder gave the green light. His agent, Miguel Pinho, reportedly spent a week in Saudi Arabia for talks before the Portuguese star opted against the move, influenced heavily by family considerations.
While United never received a formal offer, Hilal made it clear they would back any decision from Fernandes. However, the Portugal international chose to remain in Manchester for at least another year, with the 2026 World Cup looming as a major factor in his decision.
In late July, Fernandes was approached by compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, who has taken an active role in recruitment at Al-Nassr after extending his stay at the club. Ronaldo personally communicated Nassr’s interest, but Fernandes insisted he wanted to remain in Europe until at least 2026.
A third attempt came from Al-Ittihad just before the British transfer window closed on September 1. The reigning Saudi champions explored the deal but were unable to advance due to their foreign-player quota being full. The club instead prioritized signing Braga teenager Roger Fernandes, who qualifies under the U21 slot.
Rumors linking Fabinho or N’Golo Kanté with exits to free up space for Fernandes never materialized, leaving Ittihad unable to table a concrete offer.
Although Fernandes has resisted Saudi overtures for now, his long-term future at Old Trafford is far from secure. United are considering a £100m+ bid for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba next summer, and Fernandes could be sold to fund the move.
The playmaker himself admitted during the international break in June that Al-Hilal’s president had contacted him directly, but insisted United had no desire to cash in.
“There was an opportunity. The [Al Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me. Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen,” Fernandes revealed.
For now, Fernandes remains committed to leading United this season. But with Saudi dealmakers determined to return in 2026, his time at Old Trafford may be running out.
