Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence on the mounting speculation linking him with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, delivering a clear message about his immediate future at Old Trafford.
The Saudi Question
In a candid interview with Portuguese media outlet A BOLA, the 29-year-old playmaker addressed the growing rumours head-on. "I'm not really focused on that right now," Fernandes stated when questioned about potential interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. "Obviously, it doesn't only depend on me, does it?"
The Portuguese international's measured response comes amid increasing attention from Middle Eastern clubs, who have been aggressively recruiting European talent throughout 2024.
United's European Ambitions
Fernandes emphasised that his current priority remains Manchester United's push for European qualification. "A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there's that on both sides," he revealed.
The Red Devils captain acknowledged the club's challenging season but remained optimistic about their prospects. With United sitting eighth in the Premier League table, every match becomes crucial for their European hopes.
Contract Situation
Fernandes, who currently earns approximately £240,000 per week, still has two years remaining on his United contract, with the club holding an option to extend for an additional year. This puts Manchester United in a strong negotiating position should serious offers materialise.
Saudi Pro League's Growing Influence
The Saudi transfer market has become increasingly active, with several high-profile players making the move in recent windows. Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Al-Nassr in 2022 sparked a wave of investment that has seen stars like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson join the league.
Fernandes' potential availability would represent a major coup for Saudi officials, who continue to target elite-level talent to boost their league's global profile.
What Comes Next?
While Fernandes appears committed to United for the immediate future, his comments leave room for interpretation. "I don't think much about the future because obviously this season hasn't been at the level I'd hoped for, either individually or collectively," he admitted.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Fernandes remains a cornerstone of United's rebuild or becomes the latest star to embark on a new challenge in the Middle East.
