Bruno Fernandes makes final decision on Man United future amid Saudi interest | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes Holds Firm Amid Saudi Temptation

Bruno Fernandes has once again shown his resolve. Despite persistent interest from Saudi Arabia, the Manchester United captain has made it clear he intends to stay at Old Trafford for the full 2025/26 campaign. Credit goes to talkSPORT for the original report, which confirms that his stance remains unchanged since the summer.

Saudi Millions on the Table

“Fernandes received a formal offer from Al-Hilal before the Club World Cup.” The proposal from Saudi Arabia would have seen him more than double his £300k-per-week salary, with Al-Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr also making contact. “The Portugal international was tempted by a move to the Saudi Pro League,” yet ultimately felt “the timing wasn’t right.”

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Al-Hilal sources “deny they ever placed a formal £100m bid,” but it is accepted that such a figure “was a ballpark they were willing to offer had Fernandes given a green light.”

Manchester United are not powerless either. His contract runs until 2027, giving the club control over any departure. Even with only one year left by next summer, United reportedly want “in excess of £60m.”

Position Shift but No Fallout

In a fascinating subplot, Fernandes has been “asked to play in a deeper role following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.” It is not his natural position, yet talkSPORT reports “there is believed to be no issue or breakdown in the relationship between Fernandes and Ruben Amorim.”

At 31, Fernandes still sees one last major international tournament on the horizon. Leaving “six months before what could prove his final World Cup with Portugal” holds no appeal right now.

Ronaldo Waiting in the Wings

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be a key figure in all future negotiations. “It’s understood Ronaldo directly contacted Fernandes over the summer in an informal call,” and with a recruitment role at Al-Nassr, he could become an influential broker in 2026.

Saudi clubs have not given up. “No bid is being prepared in January,” but there is confidence “it will be more feasible to land Fernandes in summer.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United supporter, this is one of those stories that leaves you conflicted. On one hand, Fernandes staying is a relief. He might frustrate at times, throwing his arms in the air or going for the hero pass too often, but without him the entire team loses structure. He has racked up 298 appearances and 100 goals since 2019, numbers that confirm his importance in an inconsistent squad.

Yet there is also acceptance that his long-term future lies away from Old Trafford. If the club knows he could leave in 2026, they must prepare now. What worries fans is recruitment. Will United identify a genuine successor or panic buy when the time comes?

The Cristiano Ronaldo angle is fascinating. His influence in Saudi football is growing and if he is making recruitment calls directly, United will need to be wary. Loyalty only stretches so far when offers exceed £600k a week.

The hope is simple. Let Fernandes stay captain, lead United back into the Champions League and, if he leaves later, let it be on good terms and for a top fee. What cannot happen is another drawn-out saga like Pogba or De Gea. United need clarity, not chaos.