Bruno Fernandes: Saudi Pro League gain fresh motivation to pounce on £57m transfer opportunity | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo made the bold move to the Middle East in the 2023 winter transfer window, joining Al Nassr after a high-profile fallout with Manchester United and then-manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo: the Saudi Pro League’s poster boy

Football’s greatest goalscorer heading to Saudi Arabia opened the door for top European talents to follow suit.

Since his arrival, the Saudi Pro League has become a genuine option for some of the game’s most exciting players.

With his prestige and aura, Ronaldo has undoubtedly been the face of the Saudi Arabian league. His brilliance on the pitch, continuing to score goals for fun, has justified his megastar status. Yet, despite his impact, his time in Saudi Arabia may now be entering its final months.

Ronaldo linked with Pro League exit

Only days after going on strike and missing Al Nassr’s clash with Al Riyadh in protest against the Public Investment Fund’s running of the club, Ronaldo has been linked with a possible departure.

UK outlet i Paper reports on “Mr Champions League’s” potential summer exit from the Saudi Pro League.

They claim: “His outburst has raised the possibility of the 41-year-old seeking a summer exit. Ronaldo has a £43m release clause, which becomes active in the summer.”

The report dismisses Old Trafford as Ronaldo’s next destination, while at the same time quoting a source close to the Pro League transfer process who actively reveals what lies ahead for the PIF:

“Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes would be the perfect picks. Salah, especially, given he would attract an Arab audience as a Muslim.

“Either of those coming in, along with that younger talent, would be huge for us. And really soften any Ronaldo blow.”

Worry at Old Trafford

Understandably, Old Trafford faithful would be concerned by such claims.

Just as Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr is uncertain, Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future at United is also in doubt.

There is speculation that Fernandes is frustrated with the state of play at Old Trafford. So he could therefore be tempted to move on in the summer.

INEOS, however, are reportedly keen to convince the 31-year-old to stay with the offer of a massive pay rise.

Fernandes’ release clause

Even so, United must contend with outside interest. The revelation that Fernandes has a £57 million release clause for clubs outside the Premier League only adds to the pressure.

Given that the Saudi Pro League was willing to pay £100 million last summer to secure his signature, the existence of such a clause makes it easy to imagine them pouncing on the opportunity. In what is arguably his best season yet in a United shirt, and with Casemiro already leaving, losing Fernandes would be a controversial blow to INEOS’ United project.

Bruno Fernandes this PL season (as per Stat Muse)

Ultimately, for the 20-time English champions, keeping Fernandes may come down to the player himself, that is, him opting to stay and turning down his suitors.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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