Bruno Fernandes remains the subject of strong interest from Saudi Arabia.placeholder image
Bruno Fernandes remains the subject of strong interest from Saudi Arabia. | Getty Images
The latest transfer headlines from rivals Man Utd and Man City
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes showcased his commitment towards helping turn the club’s fortunes around this summer after a series of offers to join other teams. Fernandes was one of the standout performers in the league last term despite United’s poor season. The Portuguese international registered 19 goals and 19 assists in 57 matches and was a catalyst in helping Ruben Amorim’s side reach the Europa League final with seven goals - the most of any player in the entire competition last term.
The 30-year-old is considered to be one of the club’s best signings in the post Alex Ferguson era and at times last season seemed to be carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders. His incredible talents earned him interest from the likes of three PIF owned clubs in Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, according to talkSPORT but ultimately decided that his preference was to remain in the Premier League ahead of the World Cup in 2026.
Fernandes has so far operated in a much deeper midfield role this season to accommodate Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo after their arrivals from Wolves and Brentford but it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to the demands of that position or whether Amorim will look to more him into a more advanced role as the campaign progresses.
Saudi sides remain willing to pay over £80m for Bruno Fernandes
For the time being, Bruno Fernandes remains a United player but that hasn’t entirely ended speculation of a Saudi transfer next summer.
Reports from talkSPORT suggest that Al-Hilal showed the most concrete interest for Fernandes, with his agent Miguel Pinho flying over to Saudi for a week of meetings early in the window. Hilal never made an approach to Manchester United, but were ready to pay over £80million if given a green light by Fernandes. Al-Nassr also made an informal approach to the player in a deal which would have seen him link up with Old Trafford icon Cristiano Ronaldo. Saudi champions Al-Ittihad also contacted Fernandes around two weeks before the British window shut on September 1.
“There was an opportunity," Fernandes said. "The [Al Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go. Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen."
The report goes on to suggest that Fernandes could be open to a move to Saudi Arabia next summer and suggest dealmakers are still intent on trying to sign the former Sporting playmaker.
Man City plot brutal Liverpool hijack
Manchester City’s attempts to regain the league title are currently not going to plan, with the club losing two of their opening three matches - just one less than what they managed the last time they became champions. Pep Guardiola’s side recorded a 4-0 win over Wolves on matchday one but were beaten 2-0 by Tottenham in their second contest before being beaten 2-1 by Brighton after a last-gasp winner from Brajan Gruda.
Their defensive solidity has often come under question this season, leading to reports that Guardiola could pursue a centre-back addition this January. The Daily Star understands one player high on Guardiola’s radar is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who saw his move to Liverpool fall through on transfer deadline day at the eleventh hour.
Guehi, who has less than a year remaining on his contract, had already completed part of his Reds medical ahead of a £35m move and looked to have already agreed personal terms, when in a dramatic U-turn Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug on negotiations. Premier League champions Liverpool believe they are still favourites to win the battle for Guehi as a January move continues to be mooted. However, reports from the Daily Starclaim Manchester City are considering a January hijack after allowing Manuel Akanji to depart on loan to Inter Milan. The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also thought to be attentive to the England international’s situation as they consider rival bids.
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