Manchester United are preparing to open negotiations with Bruno Fernandes over a new contract, following reports that the midfielder has a £57 million release clause in his current deal. The clause, revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, could be triggered this summer unless the Portuguese star agrees fresh terms to remove it.
Fernandes, 31, recently claimed the Premier League record for most assists in a single season, providing his 21st in a 3-0 victory over Brighton. He also scored in that match, capping a strong end to the campaign. His resurgence has been credited to interim head coach Michael Carrick, who took over from Ruben Amorim in January and restored Fernandes to his favoured No10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Since Carrick’s arrival, Fernandes has registered 13 assists, surpassing the previous record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne. The Portuguese international played a key role in leading United back to the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 season under Erik ten Hag. United are said to be open to rewarding Fernandes for his stellar season as they build towards the 2026-27 campaign under Carrick, who is expected to become permanent head coach.
Fernandes had opportunities to leave Old Trafford last summer, notably rebuffing an approach from Saudi club Al-Hilal. He also claimed in December that he felt the club had wanted to sell him. Other Saudi suitors and European clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation, but United hope to secure his long-term future by removing the release clause in a new deal.
