Bruno Fernandes has outlined three dream destinations for when he leaves Manchester United, with none of them being Saudi Arabia. The club captain's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain as he enters the final six months of his contract in January.
Fernandes was close to a move to Saudi Arabia during the summer of 2025, with Al-Hilal reportedly willing to pay £100 million for his services and offering the midfielder wages of up to £700,000 a week. However, after talks with his family and then-head coach Ruben Amorim, Fernandes chose to stay.
Impressive individual season
Fernandes went on to enjoy a strong individual campaign, breaking the Premier League assist record and helping Manchester United recover during the second half of the 2025-26 season to finish third under Michael Carrick. He was named PFA Players' Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, and the Premier League Player of the Season.
Despite this success, an end to Fernandes' time at Old Trafford appears likely. He enters the final six months of his contract in January, and it has been widely reported that he has turned down a second offer from the club. According to the Athletic, talks over a new deal have been ongoing since the summer, with further negotiations anticipated.
Preferred destinations
If no breakthrough is reached before the end of the campaign and Fernandes leaves, he has already identified his preferred destinations. In an interview with Canal 11 last year, he expressed interest in playing in Spain and Italy.
"I would like to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy," he said. "I have many connections to Italy… my daughter was born there."
Fernandes also mentioned a potential return to Portugal, with Sporting as his first option. "I've already thought about returning to Portugal… the first option would be Sporting. To be happy, like it was with Sporting. But I don't want to ruin the image that was left," he added.
He noted that he would want to add to his legacy rather than just return. "But I don't want to drag myself there, I want to add to it. And even try district football, at an advanced age. You play in the district for love, you feel different. I have friends in the district."
Fernandes played for three teams in Italy - Novara, Udinese, and Sampdoria - during the early years of his career before returning to Portugal with Sporting, where he rose to prominence. He joined Manchester United in January 2020.
