Bruno Fernandes has received an offer from Al-Hilal. The Manchester United captain is taking it seriously, and as a result, the Portuguese player could leave England this summer.
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According to reports from The Athletic and the Manchester Evening News, Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have made a stunning move to try and lure Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes away from Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder has reportedly received a formal offer from the club, and initial talks with his representatives are already underway. Sources close to the negotiations confirm that discussions are expected to continue in Saudi Arabia, indicating a high level of seriousness and intent from the Saudi side.
Al-Hilal, one of the richest and most successful clubs in Asia, is determined to continue its strategy of bringing high-profile European stars to the Saudi Pro League. After landing names like Neymar and Kalidou Koulibaly in previous transfer windows, the club is now setting its sights on Fernandes as a marquee signing to bolster its midfield and raise the profile of the league even further.
The reported offer is staggering: a net annual salary of €25 million for four seasons, amounting to a total of €100 million in wages. Additionally, The Athletic suggests that Manchester United could receive a transfer fee in the region of €95 million an amount that could prove hard to resist, especially as the club looks to rebuild under new ownership and possibly make several changes to the squad this summer.
Fernandes, who joined United in January 2020 from Sporting CP for around €65 million, has been one of the club’s most influential players in recent years. Known for his creativity, leadership, and consistent performances, he quickly became a fan favorite and was appointed club captain last season. Despite United’s struggles in the Premier League and Europe, Fernandes has remained a bright spot, regularly contributing with goals, assists, and relentless work rate.
The Portuguese international still has a contract with United until 2026, with an option for a further year, but the new developments have cast some uncertainty over his future. According to sources close to the player, Fernandes is genuinely considering the proposal from Al-Hilal and is not dismissing it outright. While he has previously stated his happiness at Manchester United, the financial and professional aspects of such a move are understandably being taken into account.
In a recent interview, Fernandes hinted at the possibility of a departure, saying, “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to make money, that’s sometimes how football works.” However, he was also quick to add that he is still content at Manchester United and proud to wear the captain’s armband.
United’s stance on the offer remains unclear. While the club is unlikely to actively push out their captain, a fee close to €100 million for a player entering his thirties may be considered good business especially as the new ownership group led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe evaluates how best to restructure the team. The Red Devils are expected to be active in the summer transfer window, and freeing up funds and wage space could facilitate other targets.
Another important figure in this equation is Portuguese manager Rúben Amorim, long rumored to be on Manchester United’s radar for a future coaching role. Amorim has reportedly advised Fernandes to remain in Europe, especially as he remains an integral part of Portugal’s national team setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A move to Saudi Arabia, while lucrative, could potentially impact Fernandes’s visibility and influence in top-level European football.
Fernandes’s decision is likely to have a domino effect on Manchester United’s transfer plans. Should he leave, the club would be forced to find a suitable replacement for a player who not only contributes on the pitch but also embodies the leadership and identity of the team. Several names have already been linked with United in recent months, including João Neves of Benfica and Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona.
For now, Fernandes is keeping his options open. Talks with Al-Hilal are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, and a final decision may depend on how the club articulates its long-term vision to him not only financially, but also in terms of footballing ambition. Whether this saga ends with a high-profile departure or with Fernandes reaffirming his commitment to United remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Saudi Arabia’s influence on the European transfer market is far from over.
