Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer, with growing interest from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
In a recent appearance on The United Stand, Jacobs revealed that Fernandes has already spoken with representatives from the Saudi Pro League club and is open to the idea of joining them.
The United captain has given the green light to the Saudi club to make a move for him this summer.
The 30-year-old Portuguese international, who has been United’s talisman since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020, is reportedly tempted by Al-Hilal’s ambitious sporting project and the lucrative financial package on offer.
Bruno Fernandes is thinking about Middle East move
While no deal has been finalised, Jacobs’ comments suggest that Fernandes sees merit in a move to the Middle East, particularly in light of United’s current struggles.
While speaking to The United Stand, Jacobs revealed:
“Bruno Fernandes has engaged – he held a Zoom call with the Al-Hilal president, Fahad bin Nafel, a couple of days ago.
“He was told by Thursday that they wanted a decision – not yes or no definitively on whether he would move or sign the contract, but they wanted a yes or no on the project.
“I’m told last night that Bruno Fernandes’ side said yes to the project.”
Following a dismal 2024/25 season, United failed to qualify for any form of European competition for the upcoming campaign.
The absence of Champions League or Europa League football significantly hampers their ability to retain top talent and attract marquee signings.
Man United may consider the sale of Fernandes
Selling high-value players like Fernandes could offer crucial relief, and potentially unlock funds for squad rebuilding.
Fernandes is not the only name being linked with a summer exit. Rising stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have also been mentioned in connection with big-money transfers.
While the imminent signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves is seen as a boost, it comes with the likely cost of losing key dressing room leaders and fan favourites.
The Red Devils are interested in a move for Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike this summer.
Along with Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho could also head out of the club soon.
| Man United outcast made available for transfer this summer for just £40 million |
Understand that 30 year old Bruno would take the change. By the time Man U is ready he will be 33 and sold . Man U can use the money and buy a younger Bruno for a lot less money. Time for him to go on his next etventure. Thanks and good luck
Thank you, Captain. You more than tried for us, you delivered your very best. Best of luck going forward…
Yes, we need to and must sell: Fernandes, Casemiro, Garnacho. Rashford, Sancho, Hojlund, Antony, Shaw, Malacia, Onana, Bayindir, all to be sold this summer transfer window and generate funds to the tune of approximately $385M Euro, to in turn transfer in and strengthen Man U 2025-26 and beyond, with new signings: 2 Goalies, 1 Wing Back, 2 Def Midfielders, 2 Attack Midfielders, 2 Strikers (proven goal scorers) . Releasing 4 out of contract first teamers and loaning up to 4 academy players that have trained with first team, will best ensure that we have a very compact, energized, productive and exciting team to watch and follow. GO REDS!!
Man u will make mistake if they decide to offload Bruno, Anthony and Sancho. I would prefer utd to sale Dallot, Casemiro, Mount,Linderlof, Onana De lit and gernacho.
Anthony and Sancho are both good wingers. But utd should give them time frequently. 2 Ruben tactics doesn’t work in English premier league
Putting sentiment aside, there are a number of problems selling Bruno this window. He’s not just Man Utd’s best and most consistent performer (Sir Matt Busby player of the year, again) but leader, captain and anchor of the team. It will be very difficult to replace everything that Bruno provides in one player and at short notice, leading to a significant risk that Man Utd performance next season is even worse. What if we just can’t get anyone decent at all?
On the other hand, Bruno’s skill set isn’t ideally suited to Amorim’s system. As one of the 10s in a 3-4-3/3-4-2-1, his contributons are more limited compared to a ‘classic 10’ in a 4-2-3-1. Amorim requires his 10s to be ball carriers (as well as attacking, e.g. exploiting half spaces) and to receive and turn when playing out – not Bruno’s strong suits. Also, though all Amorim’s players contribute in attack (and all in defence), from what I’ve seen, long passing and ‘play making’ is more likely to come from the double pivot or even the centre backs. This season those ‘pin-point’ balls and cleverly weighted passes mostly came from Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno (both great balls and poor ones). Do I have to point out what it means to lose Bruno, Eriksen and maybe also Casemiro in the same window?
Bruno’s particular talents seem better suited to an ‘8’ under Amorim (a move for which there are many precedents in the PL), keeping in mind that Amorim’s ‘8’ is an agressive position. Bruno is intelligent and experienced enough to adapt, and Amorim’s system isn’t so rigid that it can’t work, but there is a lingering question of whether a more ideal player would improve performance overall. I think, in the long run, the answer to that is ‘yes’. However, I don’t think we’ll be able to find such a player, or resolve issues around leadership and captaincy, in this window. Planning to replace Bruno is a critical activity. It may be possible next summer but is extremely risky now.
But Bruno will choose. I hope he chooses to stay. If he does go, I’d want no less than £120m – and I’m not joking, because even at 30, that’s what Bruno is worth to Man Utd. On top of that, start praying for a miracle with a replacement signing.
Bruno is one player yes quality but £100 million is 2 to 3 players in exchange spent wisely pity the clubs greedy lazy so called stars don’t leave what a joke £40m for Rashford & still no takers while Gordon is valued at £80m doesn’t make sense
Bruno not for sale, the new project is so crucial and tempting i don’t think he
will want to walk away now. He has rejected everyone and everything for United it has to mean something. Captain Fantastic is not all about money, united is his stomping yard. At 30 years, he still has four good years at United.