Manchester United face a monumental battle to keep hold of their captain and creative talisman, Bruno Fernandes, this summer. The Mirror can exclusively reveal that Saudi Pro League powerhouses are preparing a colossal £100 million offer to prise the Portuguese maestro away from Old Trafford.
The Saudi Pursuit Heats Up
According to top-level sources, the Saudi project has identified Fernandes as their next flagship signing. Two clubs, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, are at the forefront of this ambitious operation. Their strategy involves testing the resolve of the new Manchester United hierarchy, INEOS, with a world-class financial package for both the club and the player.
The interest is far from speculative. It is part of a coordinated, league-wide effort to secure one of the Premier League's most recognisable and productive stars.
What This Means for Manchester United and INEOS
This potential bid presents the first major transfer dilemma for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team. Fernandes, 29, remains United's most influential and consistent performer, making the decision incredibly complex.
Selling him would represent a pure profit on the books due to his amortised contract, providing a significant Financial Fair Play (FFP) boost. This influx of cash could theoretically fund a much-needed squad overhaul. However, losing the club captain and a player who contributes heavily to both goals and assists would be a massive sporting risk, potentially signalling a lack of ambition to the fanbase.
Fernandes's Stance and Contract Situation
While the player has not publicly agitated for a move, the allure of a life-changing contract in Saudi Arabia is a factor no modern footballer can easily ignore. Fernandes is under contract at United until 2026, with the club holding an option to extend for a further year.
This places the power firmly in United's hands. They are under no financial pressure to sell, meaning any deal would have to be on their terms. The reported £100m fee would be a starting point for what would likely be a protracted and difficult negotiation.
A Summer of Speculation Ahead
This story is set to dominate the upcoming transfer window. The Saudi interest is serious and well-funded. For Manchester United, the decision will be a defining one: cash in on their most valuable asset to finance a rebuild or reject the advances and build their new project around their inspirational captain.
One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Bruno Fernandes and the new INEOS-led board to see how they navigate this first major test of their resolve.
