Bruno Fernandes only signed a contract extension with Manchester United last summer, but with his calls to bolster the squad in the transfer market proving tricky, the captain's future now looks shaky
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Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes could be on his way out of United(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is reportedly considering an exit from Old Trafford after previously urging the club's management to step up their game on the transfer front.
The Portuguese star signed a new contract with the Red Devils in August 2024. However, the extension only came about after Fernandes made it clear to United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he expected the club to sign top-tier players to compete with the best.
Yet, United's current appeal in the market is now at risk, leading to speculation that the midfielder is mulling over his options, with Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal showing interest.
United's defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur and their subsequent inability to offer European football next season means attracting some of the sport's biggest names to Manchester may be challenging. Financial issues are also set to pose a challenge for Ruben Amorim this summer, reports the Mirror.
Upon signing his contract extension, Fernandes told the club's website: "The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams. They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we're doing that.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
"I said to them, 'I don't need you to promise me that we're going to win the league, because no one can promise that. But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive throughout the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete at the highest levels.'"
Under former manager Erik ten Hag, United did hold up their end of the deal last summer. Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui were brought in for a combined fee believed to be in the region of £200million.
However, funds are expected to be sparse for Amorim this summer. In a move that could signal some ambition to Fernandes, it's understood that United are looking to wrap up a £62.5m deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
Despite such a move, Fernandes' agent Miguel Pinho has reportedly held talks with Al-Hilal regarding a sensational £100m transfer. United have also not discounted the possibility of selling any player in the squad as they look to raise funds for their transfer kitty.
Matheus Cunha in action for Wolves
Matheus Cunha could be headed for United this summer
With the urgency to finish negotiations quickly, Al-Hilal are even hoping to have Fernandes, 30, in their squad for the Club World Cup in the US next month. Following United's loss in the Europa League final, Fernandes threw his Old Trafford future into question by hinting the team might opt to "cash in" on him.
Fernandes was signed from Sporting CP back in January 2020 in a deal potentially reaching £67.7m. He became United's leading scorer in the 2024/25 campaign, bagging 19 goals and once again clinching the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award – a prize he’s now collected four times during his six-year stay.
United's head coach also underlined the player's significance this week. "[Fernandes] is really important for us and what we want to build for the team. We talk about this many times," Amorim said.
"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."