Manchester United supporters around the globe rejoiced at the news that Bruno Fernandes had turned down the financial allure of the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday morning. Al-Hilal had reportedly offered Fernandes a four-year contract worth around £21m net a year.
To put that into perspective, it would have been worth three times as much as his current salary at Old Trafford. But - unlike many an elite footballer before him, hypnotised by the benefits of life in the Middle East - Fernandes resisted.
That said, while the 30-year may have rebuffed Al-Hilal, celebrations among the United faithful could be premature.
Has Fernandes confirmed his Red Devils stay - or has he asked for alternative suitors to step forward?
Ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany on Wednesday night, Fernandes held the pre-match press conference alongside Roberto Martinez.
“I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future,” the United captain responded when unsurprisingly quizzed on his future.
“It was actually my wife who asked me — I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.
“It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with.
“But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable.
“I want to keep being happy, I’m still very passionate about this sport, and I’m happy with my decision.”
Well, that’s the thing, isn’t it? United aren’t playing at the highest level. They finished eighth in the Premier League last season and dropped to 15th in this one.
As a result, other than the English top flight, the biggest competitions are off the cards, too.
There will be no Champions League football at Old Trafford next term. There will be no European ties altogether, for that matter.
For a player of Fernandes’ standing, that is inexcusable. As much as Ruben Amorim has publicly and privately clamoured for his world-class midfielder to remain loyal, he can’t deny he deserves better.
So, what if one of Europe’s heavyweights come knocking?
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were strongly linked with Fernandes last year. Then he wrote a letter to the fanbase on the eve of FA Cup glory against Manchester City, indicating his wish to stay put.
But, 12 months on, M16 is an even darker place. Fernandes’ public appeal for the highest level and the grandest stage could also be viewed as a come-and-get-me plea.
If any of the continent’s biggest fish want to seriously test his and United’s resolve, now is the prime time to strike.