Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been given 72 hours to decide whether to leave Manchester United, as Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal make a final, lucrative offer for the club captain.
According to Mail Online, the Portuguese international has been presented with a “take it or leave it” proposal by the Riyadh-based club, which is prepared to quadruple his current wages and offer a staggering £700,000-a-week tax-free salary. The deal would be worth up to £200 million over three years.
The 29-year-old’s representatives are believed to have held discussions with Al-Hilal, but the club has now set a deadline for Fernandes to make his decision.
The offer follows one of Manchester United’s worst seasons in recent memory, finishing 15th and failing to qualify for European competition for the first time since 2015. The disappointing campaign has prompted speculation over a major squad overhaul at Old Trafford.
Speaking after United’s Europa League exit to Tottenham, Fernandes hinted at a possible departure, saying:
“If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.”
Should Fernandes accept the terms, Al-Hilal are reportedly ready to table a formal transfer bid in the region of £100 million.
Despite the growing uncertainty, United manager Ruben Amorim remains firm in his desire to keep Fernandes at the club.
“He is really important for us and what we want to build for the team,” Amorim said. “You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments, Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do it because he is the captain.”
Fernandes, currently with the United squad on their post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong, may not be the only high-profile departure.
Reports suggest that Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho has been told to find a new club this summer. Garnacho, along with goalkeeper Andre Onana, was excluded from the matchday squad in United’s final-day win over Aston Villa.
In a bid to strengthen the squad, United are understood to be close to triggering Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap’s £30 million release clause.
The club is also reportedly interested in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and may activate his £62.5 million buy-out clause following a standout season at Molineux.
The next few days are likely to be pivotal, not just for Fernandes’ future, but for Manchester United’s summer rebuild.
