‘Keep a close eye…’ – Romano: Man Utd fan-favourite will be heavily targeted for Old Trafford departure in 2026 | OneFootball

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are already plotting how they can prise Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United in 2026.

The Old Trafford faithful will already be well aware that Al-Hilal did their utmost to sign Fernandes at the very start of the transfer window this summer by offering him a package worth £200 million on a three-year deal.

After taking ample time to fully mull over the approach, the midfielder eventually declined, with his wife’s desire to stay put in Manchester proving integral to Fernandes’ decision.

Bruno Fernandes is still as integral as ever for United

Fernandes converted a spot-kick to secure United’s first win of 2025/2026. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

It came after a dismal campaign for United, in which the club captain was once again one of the few shining lights throughout the season.

Fernandes notched 19 goals and 19 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions, eventually being crowned Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year upon the culmination of the term – the fourth time he’s claimed the award since joining in 2020.

He has already got off the mark in 2025/2026 via a stoppage-time winner against Burnley prior to the international break and will be keen to find the back of the net at the Etihad for a second successive season when the Reds face arch-rivals Manchester City in Sunday’s derby.

Saudi sides already planning Fernandes pursuits

Whether the 31-year-old would reconsider his United future next year remains to be seen. He signed a bumper deal last August to keep him tied to the club until 2027, with United then having the option of activating a one-year extension.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Fernandes is set to have offers to consider.

“From Saudi, they want to return [for Fernandes] in the future,” said Romano on YouTube. “For 2026, keep an eye on Saudi because they will return. And then, it’s going to be up to Bruno to say ‘yes, I want to come’ or ‘no, I want to stay in Europe, no, I want to stay in Manchester United’.

“But from Saudi, they want to return for Bruno Fernandes, and they keep the name of Bruno Fernandes in their list for future targets. Keep a close eye on the situation of Bruno Fernandes because Saudi want to return.”

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