We could be witnessing the final months of Bruno Fernandes' spell in the Premier League, with the midfielder being 'open to leaving Manchester United at the end of the season' amid interest from elsewhere.
Fernandes spent the start of June giving serious consideration to an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who were ready to give the 30-year-old midfielder a wage package of around £700,000-a-week over three years.
Al Hilal were also willing to part with a fee of around £100 million and had been confident of having an offer accepted.
Fernandes' agent, Miguel Pinho, even travelled to the Middle East for negotiations with Saudi officials, but days later, the Portuguese midfielder explained why he turned down a big-money move to the Saudi club.
Advert
“Al Hilal were very kind," he said. "They spoke to my agent. Then I spoke to my wife. She asked: 'What do you want to do?’ She always supports my decisions."
"It would have been easy to move there," Fernandes added. "I know the Portuguese players there very well. But I want to play at the highest level and compete for major titles. I can do that, and I still want to. I’m very passionate about football.”
As well as confirming talks with Al Hilal's president, Fahad bin Nafel, the midfielder also detailed the conversation he had with Ruben Amorim, who stressed the importance of keeping Fernandes as United look to rebuild.
“There was an opportunity," he added. "The president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me.
"I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go. 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.“
Despite his comments, a new report from the Mail suggests Fernandes will be open to a new project at the end of the 2025/26 season, and would consider a move to Saudi Arabia, the MLS or one of Europe's top leagues.
They suggest it seems 'unlikely' that Fernandes will leave United this summer, but the situation 'could yet change' if Saudi side Al Ittihad make a so-called 'take-it-or-leave-it offer' before the Saudi transfer window closes on September 10.
It is said Al Ittihad's offer would 'eclipse' the one made by Al Hilal.
Thoughts on Fernandes' future? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd, Premier League, Transfers
Jack Kenmare