Bruno Fernandes has an important decision to make on his future in the coming days on whether to remain at Manchester United or depart in lieu of a mammoth offer from Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, and Bernardo Silva celebrating
Bruno Fernandes has been urged by his international team-mate to make the move to Saudi Arabia
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has been advised by his Portugal team-mate Ruben Neves to consider a switch to Al-Hilal following the club's disappointing Premier League season.
Fernandes, 30, is contemplating a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League side after United's underwhelming performance this year. The midfielder reportedly saw his agent Miguel Pinho engage in 'positive' discussions with Al-Hilal officials in Riyadh recently.
The prospect of losing Fernandes would be a significant setback for United, and ordinarily, it would seem improbable for them to entertain offers for such a key player.
However, the necessity for a squad overhaul under new management, coupled with a constrained budget and the absence of Champions League football, might compel United to consider Al-Hilal's reported £100million approach for their star man, reports the Mirror.
Neves, who left Wolverhampton Wanderers for Saudi Arabia two years ago, has spoken highly of the move and encourages his national team-mates to make the leap.
"I recommend all the players in the national team, of course," the Al-Hilal star said to A Bola. "Fortunately, Portugal has produced a lot of talent and continues to do so. We are a lucky country in that respect.
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has a major decision to make on his future
"We are also very hard-working. A very small country but one that has produced excellent players. Just yesterday we saw four of our players (Gonçalo Ramos, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha) lift the Champions League. It is an excellent sign for Portugal. I would like to have any player from the national team in my team."
Meanwhile, amid Al-Hilal's interest in Fernandes, the Saudi Pro League side are hoping for a decision within the next week.
Despite having a contract at Old Trafford until 2027, speculation has been mounting about his potential departure following the Red Devils' poor season.
Recent reports suggest that Fernandes is seriously contemplating a move after expressing uncertainty about his future in the wake of United's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Ruben Neves of Al Hilal reacts during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on September 15, 2024
Ruben Neves joined Al-Hilal in 2023 after spending six years with Wolves
When questioned about his plans following the damaging defeat to Spurs, Fernandes stated: "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."