Man United set £40m price tag on star player amid Bayern Munich interest | OneFootball

Fernandes future discussed as Man Utd face summer decision

Growing uncertainty around United captain’s long-term future

The future of Manchester United’s captain has once again come under scrutiny, with speculation surrounding a potential exit in 2026 gathering momentum. According to TeamTalk, despite repeated links to Saudi Arabia, trusted BBC journalist Simon Stone has ruled out an immediate move for the Portuguese playmaker, who remains one of the club’s most influential figures.

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“I have been told skipper Bruno Fernandes has no interest in moving to the Saudi Pro-League at the end of the season,” Stone explained. “In an ideal world for Fernandes, United would qualify for the Champions League next term and he would stay where he is.”

Since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020 for £47.1 million, Fernandes has established himself as one of United’s most consistent performers. His numbers are exceptional, contributing 100 goals and 86 assists in 298 appearances, meaning he averages a goal involvement every 1.6 matches. Few midfielders in Europe can boast such influence.

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Yet his recent deployment in a deeper role under Ruben Amorim has raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits alike. The tactical reshuffle has limited his creative freedom, leaving him less effective than in his usual advanced position. That positional shift has inevitably sparked debate about whether United’s captain could seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

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European giants monitor potential availability

While Saudi Arabia’s financial lure continues to tempt many European stars, reports indicate Fernandes remains focused on staying in elite competition. Simon Stone added a key note of warning for United fans: “However, if he does move, it will be to a major European league.”

Bayern Munich are one of the clubs keeping an eye on the situation. Journalist Dean Jones believes a move to Bavaria looks far more realistic than a Middle Eastern switch. “It now seems pretty clear that Bruno does not have much interest in a Saudi transfer,” Jones said. “Let’s see if anything else opens up for him.”

Jones added that United would likely seek around £40 million if they were to sanction a transfer, though such a fee may not represent good value for either party. “Man Utd know this is not going to be a case of selling him for mega money. Realistically, there seems to be a feeling that his value next summer would be somewhere around £40m,” he said.

He continued: “Maybe he does continue to see things through with Man Utd. Cashing in at that level may not be worth it. But I would not rule out a big club on the continent coming in for him to ask the question and turn his head.”

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could revive past interest

Jones also reminded that Real Madrid had previously held an interest in Fernandes but never formalised their pursuit. “He may not be the prime target as a central midfielder right now, but we know that is a position they are looking to strengthen next summer,” he added. “If other targets prove too expensive or unattainable, then it is the sort of thing that might start to open up. Bayern Munich could always come back into the picture as well.”

For now, Fernandes is expected to remain focused on his duties at Old Trafford. “The player is going to completely focus on his job of helping Man Utd qualify for Europe this season,” Jones concluded.

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That sentiment aligns with views from the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt, who noted that Fernandes will assess his future at the end of the season. “Fernandes will assess his future at the end of the season and will be open to moving to one of Europe’s other major leagues,” they wrote.

The pair highlighted that he will turn 31 and approach what is likely his final World Cup for Portugal. “He may want a new challenge, and United will certainly want to bank as big a fee as possible for a player who will be out of contract in June 2027, although the club have the option to extend the deal by another 12 months,” they explained.

Leadership, loyalty and the next chapter

Fernandes’ impact extends beyond statistics. His intensity, vocal leadership and relentless desire to drive standards have made him the heartbeat of this United side. Whether it is rallying teammates during difficult spells or demanding more in training, he remains central to the culture Amorim is attempting to rebuild.

However, his frustrations in a deeper midfield position and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding United’s Champions League prospects make the next 18 months crucial. Should qualification for Europe’s top competition slip away again, the captain’s resolve may be tested.

Manchester United’s hierarchy will face a delicate balance between loyalty and pragmatism. They must decide whether to cash in on a player entering his thirties or double down on his leadership as Amorim’s rebuild continues.

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There is respect for Fernandes’ loyalty and recognition that his passion has carried the team through some of its darkest years post-Ferguson. The numbers speak for themselves, and his commitment rarely dips, even when others falter.

Yet, some United supporters sense that both parties may need a fresh start if progress stalls. Playing in a deeper role has not suited him, and watching his frustration grow each week feels symbolic of a wider issue at United, the constant tactical reshuffling and lack of consistency in vision.

A move to Bayern Munich or another European powerhouse could appeal to a player who craves structure, pressing intensity and Champions League football. United fans would not begrudge him that, provided the club reinvests wisely.

Still, most supporters would prefer to see the captain stay, at least until Amorim’s ideas settle. His leadership remains vital, and amid the uncertainty, losing him now could send the wrong message. If United can return to Europe’s top table, Fernandes’ story at Old Trafford might yet have another powerful chapter.