Manchester United Facing $135M January Bid | OneFootball

It’s never dull in the Manchester United boardroom, that’s for sure. Today, the club was approached with a big money bid for one of their talisman players. It’s an offer that’s sure to tempt Technical Director Jason Wilcox and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Saudi Interest in Fernandes

Since his tempestuous arrival at Old Trafford in 2020, Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been the heartbeat of the Red Devils. Through four different managers, he captained the side to triumph in the 2023 Carabao Cup and 2024 FA Cup, always proving to be a loyal soldier and firebrand presence both on and off the pitch.

But that loyalty has been sorely tested by the looming shadow of the Saudi Pro League and their seemingly open chequebooks floating on crude oil profits. In 2023, he rejected an overture to remain with United. In 2024 the Saudi PIF redoubled its efforts yet Fernandes remained unswayed. Then in May 2025 Al-Hilal offered a staggering $270M (£200 million) package over three years. The gilded carrot included $945K (£700K) in tax-free weekly wages – 58% more than his current $405K (£300K) per week at United. The offer also had a firm 72-hour ultimatum. Accept, or poof. Bruno said no.

Current Play on United’s Table

Now our sources indicate Al-Hilal is back and preparing another move for the captain during this January transfer window. The bid is reportedly $135M (£100 million), and Fernandes would receive a $810K (£600K) per week wage. United’s Technical Director Jason Wilcox is reportedly the key decision maker in the boardroom, and Bruno himself is said to be quite sanguine about the outcome but would prefer to move over the summer.

Stay tuned for more on this swiftly evolving story.

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Note: an earlier version of this article mistakenly listed Bruno Fernandes’ start date at United as 2000, not 2020. Typos suck.