Bruno Fernandes is wanted by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer, which has sparked talk around Manchester United over what to do.
The finances which are being thrown around over how much Al-Hilal would offer both Manchester United and also Bruno Fernandes are simply ridiculous.
It has been claimed that Al-Hilal have already offered Fernandes a contract worth £65m per season, equalling £195m over the three-year deal he’s been offered.
This is an unbelievable amount, which would see Fernandes quadruple his £300,000-a-week contract at United, which might be an offer he cannot refuse.
Meanwhile, despite United not wanting to sell Fernandes this summer, the Saudi side is tipped to be preparing an offer which is worth a British transfer record fee, surpassing the £115m Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo.
With the news around this deal developing, United fans are worried with Fernandes considered indispensable, however such a huge deal might just be too much for United and the player to turn down.
One positive is that a sale of that magnitude would allow United to replace him with another elite number 10 who could fill his boots at least in terms of performances… here are six exciting options who might ease the blow of losing Fernandes.
It is worth noting that this would be in addition to Matheus Cunha…
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
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Franco Mastantuono
The first exciting option on our list would be 17-year-old Argentine wizard Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. This, however, is a deal that River Plate have denied could happen this summer as they intend to keep Mastantuono until their season ends in December.
United are keen on paying Mastantuono’s £38.5m release clause once he turns 18, and it would be a signing with a view toward the future by United, with the teenager considered as having the potential to be a future world beater.
Signing Mastantuono would not be sufficient, however, to replace Fernandes right now, and would instead be a player we would anticipate could arrive alongside a ready-made star. This would ease the demand on Mastantuono to hit the ground running, allowing him to settle in.
Cole Palmer
Speaking of ready-made world-class players, Fernandes’ exit might hand United the funds to sign childhood United fan Cole Palmer from Chelsea.
Cole Palmer Premier League stats for Chelsea
Season Games Goals Assists
2024/25 34 15 9
2023/24 34 22 11
Palmer already has Fernandes’ endorsement, and he is seen as one of the best players in the Premier League, despite some recent struggles.
Photo by Eddie Keogh - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Palmer idolised Wayne Rooney when he was younger and is well known to be a fan of United when he was younger, which could hand United a real chance of luring him away if Chelsea were to agree to a sale with their bloated squad and high turnover making it possible.
Palmer almost joined United as a teenager from Manchester City, and this could be a chance for him to finally get this move.
Morgan Rogers
Another Premier League-proven option for United to consider is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who has had a brilliant first full season at this level. The 22-year-old has all the qualities needed to be a top-level player for United.
Rogers has tallied up 14 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, and has also performed in the Champions League against PSG which showcases he is ready for the big stage.
United could have Champions League football, and so could lure Rogers away from Villa Park, with the Jason Wilcox link also playing in United’s favour. Perhaps United can even do a deal with Marcus Rashford heading the other way, along with some cash.
Xavi Simons
Another world-class option for United to consider is Xavi Simons, who has been linked with the Red Devils over the past few months, although he would be expensive.
United are said to be on alert for Simons, with a release clause believed to be in place for the Dutchman this summer should the Red Devils manage to win the race.
Simons has had a disappointing season with RB Leipzig, with just 10 goals and eight assists, which are not convincing when considering the fee.
Florian Wirtz
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz is arguably alongside Fernandes as the best attacking midfielder in world football right now and has been over the past two seasons.
He would command a fee rivalling what Al-Hilal might pay for United’s captain, and therefore it might actually prove too expensive.
Wirtz is unlikely to be available to United out of the blocks as the German will probably have his eyes set on joining a club who are already established and ready to challenge for the Champions League next season.
It would be the closest thing possible to replacing Fernandes immediately, though.
Rayan Cherki
Another cheaper option similar to Mastantuono is Rayan Cherki, with the Lyon talent expected to make a big summer move away from France.
Cherki wowed Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford and certainly made himself a prime contender to bolster the attack. In addition with MUTV pundits were raving about Cherki, even comparing him to Lionel Messi.
It is thought that Cherki would be available for just £25m this summer, which could be an absolute bargain for United if signed alongside a player like Palmer or others.