Bruno Fernandes was given the chance to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer, but the Manchester United playmaker ultimately decided to remain at Old Trafford
20:22, 03 Jun 2025Updated 20:27, 03 Jun 2025
The Man United captain has broken his silence
The Man United captain has broken his silence(Image: TNT Sports)
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has finally spoken out after turning down a lucrative transfer to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Fernandes gave serious thought to joining Al-Hilal this summer, with his agent Miguel Pinho in discussions with the Middle Eastern club over a potential £100million deal, and Manchester United not ruling out his sale.
However, on Tuesday, it emerged that Fernandes had decided against the move to Al-Hilal after consulting with his family. Now, while on international duty, the United star has shared his thoughts on the decision.
"There was an opportunity," he revealed during Portugal's pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening.
Bruno Fernandes will not leave Man United
Bruno Fernandes will not leave Man United(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
"The president called me and asked if I wanted to go there.
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"They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach [Ruben] Amorim. He asked me not to go.", reports the Manchester Evening News.
"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."
He continued: "Al Hilal were very kind. They spoke to my agent. Then I spoke to my wife. She asked: 'What do you want to do?' She always supports my decisions.
"It would have been easy to move there. I know the Portuguese players there very well. But I want to play at the highest level and compete for major titles.
"I can do that, and I still want to. I'm very passionate about football."
Since his move from Sporting in January 2020, Fernandes has netted 98 goals and set up 86 more for the Reds across all competitions. His existing deal with United is due to run out in June 2027.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim had a chat with Bruno(Image: Getty Images)
It comes as Arne Slot has stayed true to his word by jetting off to meet Rayan Cherki, and now he's banking on Florian Wirtz doing the same.
As reported on Tuesday, the Liverpool gaffer kept his promise by sitting down with the Lyon forward and his team for a chinwag about a potential summer transfer.
There's plenty to admire about the 21-year-old French lad who's been turning heads at Lyon this season, having a blinder in front of goal by banging in 12 – more than twice his previous best in a single season.
His cracking form, a fair asking price and Lyon's acceptance that he's likely off this summer have made Cherki one of the most sought-after talents out there, with all the top clubs wanting a piece of the action.
Follow the Daily Star's transfer window live blog here.
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