Manchester United make Bruno Fernandes transfer decision as 'release clause revealed' | OneFootball

Red Devils’ skipper has suitors after record-breaking season

Manchester United are preparing to open talks with Bruno Fernandes over a new contract.

The midfielder, 31, claimed the Premier League record for most assists in a single season over the weekend, adding his 21st of a superb campaign in the 3-0 win over Brighton.

The Portugal international also scored in that game, to add a final flourish to a strong end to the season.

Fernandes has been rejuvenated since Michael Carrick’s arrival, as the former United midfielder took over the reins from Ruben Amorim back in January.

He reinstalled United’s skipper into his favoured No10 position in a 4-2-3-1 shape, departing from his predecessor’s 3-4-2-1 system, where Fernandes featured as a deep-lying midfielder in a double pivot.

Since then, the Portuguese has undergone a resurgence that has seen him lay on 13 assists and claim the record from Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.

Now, however, the Red Devils could face a fight to keep their star man after it was revealed that he has a bargain release clause in his contract.

Record breaker: Bruno Fernandes

PA

Fabrizio Romano reports that Fernandes has a £57million clause in his current deal that could be triggered this summer, unless he agrees fresh terms with United to remove the clause.

The Italian transfer guru claims that United “are open to reward” Fernandes after his stellar season, as they look to build for the 2026-27 campaign under Carrick as their permanent head coach.

Fernandes played a huge part in leading United back into the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 season under Erik ten Hag.

The 31-year-old had chances to leave Old Trafford last summer, with it being reported that Al-Hilal had made an approach which he rebuffed.

Fernandes claimed in December last year that he had felt that United had wanted to sell him.

It is believed that there are other Saudi suitors for the midfielder, as well as those on the continent.