Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is reportedly considering a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal emerging as the frontrunner for his signature in a deal that could see him earn approximately £200 million over three years.
The Portuguese midfielder, widely regarded as the club’s most influential player since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, has reportedly held initial talks over a potential switch. While Fernandes has yet to make a final decision, sources suggest he is leaning towards accepting the offer from the Saudi Pro League giants.
United manager Ruben Amorim is understood to be keen on retaining Fernandes, but the club’s current financial situation may force a rethink.
The Red Devils’ failure to qualify for the Champions League has reportedly cost the club around £100 million, and selling Fernandes could generate the same amount, significantly boosting Amorim’s summer transfer budget.
Manchester United’s available transfer funds currently sit at around £100 million, before any sales.
A large chunk of that is already earmarked for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, whose £62.5 million release clause has been triggered by the club.
As part of a broader squad overhaul, United have already parted ways with Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.
The club is also reportedly open to offers for goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has endured a turbulent debut season at Old Trafford.
Despite arriving from Inter Milan after a Champions League final appearance, Onana’s form has been inconsistent.
He is now believed to be attracting attention from the Saudi side, Neom SC. However, reports indicate that although United would be open to negotiating, talks have not yet advanced.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and fan outlet The United Stand claim United officials will “entertain offers” for Onana this summer.
Neom SC are reportedly interested, although formal discussions have not taken place.
The prospect of Fernandes departing has left many United supporters concerned. However, club legend Paul Scholes believes the club should accept an offer in the region of £100 million.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes said: “Man United cannot say no to that. I know he has been brilliant, but where does he play? He almost confuses the whole system.”
Scholes added: “When you’re getting £100m for him, you snap your hands and take it.”
Despite the growing speculation, United manager Amorim remains hopeful Fernandes will stay. Speaking after the club’s post-season tour of Asia, he said: “I don’t think so, I don’t know for sure.
Nobody knows, but I don’t think so. I think he saw us taking action to change things, and he wants to stay.”
Amorim added that Fernandes has “said no to a lot of things” and remains driven to win, emphasising the player’s youth and continued ambition to compete in top-tier football.
Since joining Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for £67 million, Fernandes has scored 98 goals in 290 appearances across all competitions.
In the Premier League alone, he has provided 51 assists and has been named Manchester United’s Player of the Year four times in five seasons.
