Manchester United are in danger of losing their captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes this summer, with Al-Hilal reportedly prepared to table a total package of £300million for the Portuguese midfielder. Fernandes, 30, opened the door to leaving Old Trafford after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League via the Europa League.
Multiple reports suggest that United would receive a nine-figure fee for their skipper if he does depart, with Fernandes’ salary expected to triple in the Middle East and total £200m, including bonuses. He is seriously considering the move after his agent jetted out to Riyadh for negotiations. Talks are expected to be brief, after Al-Hilal set a 72-hour deadline for Fernandes to make his decision. They want him in place before the Club World Cup, where they meet Real Madrid, RB Salzburg and Pachuca in the group stage.
Even though talks are moving at a whirlwind pace, the BBC claim that United are relaxed over the situation.
They would, naturally, want their best performer and leader to stay at Old Trafford. But the club are aware that a fee upwards of £80m would go some way to easing their financial concerns after missing out on European football completely.
Fernandes has two years left on his current contract, plus the option to extend for a further year, and is one of the club’s highest earners. He was United's top scorer in 2024/25, bagging 19 times in all competitions.
Speaking during the club’s contentious post-season tour, which Fernandes is present for, Ruben Amorim said: "We talk about this many times.
"You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain."
However, after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, Fernandes admitted that the club could let him go if he does not align with their long-term plans.
"I have always been honest, I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go,” he said. "I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.
"In the day that the club thinks that I'm too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way.
"If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it's what it is, and football sometimes is like this."
A pivotal few days are ahead for Fernandes and United, despite the club being relaxed about his situation.