Bruno Fernandes remains the subject of rampant interest from Saudi side Al-Hilal
Manchester United club captain Bruno Fernandes is believed to be the subject of a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The Riyadh-based outfit have expressed a strong interest in signing the Portuguese international in the coming weeks and are keen to bring the 30-year-old into their squad in time to play for them at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Fernandes has been the club’s best performer for a number of seasons and boasts a record of 19 goals and 20 assists across all competitions despite his side experiencing one of their worst ever seasons in their 147-year history.
United head coach Ruben Amorim has spoken publicly about his desire to keep Fernandes at the club despite a 15th place finish in the league and the fact that his side has failed to give Fernandes any form of European football.
“The feeling I get every time I speak with him is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United. You never know,” said Amorim.
Al-Hilal are keen to make a statement signing to the club and according to Sky Sports are willing to spend upwards of £100m to get the deal done.
It leaves United at a crossroads on whether to sell one of their best players to raise funds for a rebuild or send out a statement of intent to the rest of Europe that they want to build a stronger team around Fernandes next season.
Man Utd identify potential Bruno Fernandes successor
Sporting CP star Pedro Goncalves has emerged as the leading contender to replace Bruno Fernandes if he moves to the Middle East, according to reports from Portuguese sports website A Bola.
The outlet understands United are considering an approach for Sporting CP star Goncalves, who has been a revelation in recent years, particularly under Amorim in the capital.
The 26-year-old has experience of replacing Fernandes and was signed by Sporting from Famalicão in 2020 after failing to establish himself as a first team regular at Wolves where he played as a teenager.
Gonçalves has won three Portuguese titles with Sporting since his arrival along with three cups and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, which is the equivalent of the Community Shield.
The 26-year-old has represented Portugal three times at international level and boasts an overall record of 82 goals and 57 assists in 198 appearances across all competitions while making the Team of the Season on three occasions.
Goncalves is primarily a central attacking midfielder but has proven throughout his career that he can also thrive on either wing and on occasion in a deeper central midfield role.
He’s had an injury hit season due to a muscle injury which has limited him to just six goals and six assists from 20 appearances. However, he still was able to make notable contributions throughout the campaign with one of those proving to be a devastating display in a 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester City.
Goncalves is understood to have a release clause of around £67m inserted into his contract, though it’s likely United would try and negotiate that figure to get a deal over the line.
Man Utd cannot say no to Bruno Fernandes offer
Red Devils club icon Paul Scholes feels the club should cash in on Bruno Fernandes this summer despite the 30-year-old’s talents.
The Class of 92 academy graduate explained, via The Overlap: “They are talking about £100m for him. Man Utd cannot say no to that.
“I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, and what is his position? Do you see him as a number 10? Do you see him as a holding midfielder?
“He almost confuses the whole system. I mean, he has been brilliant, don’t get me wrong. But when you’re getting £100m for him, you snap your hands and take it.”
Fernandes admitted himself: “I have always been honest. 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. Football sometimes is like this.
“I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go. I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days.
“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.”
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