Bruno Fernandes turned down moves to Saudi Arabia this summer to remain at Manchester United.
After a disastrous season for Manchester United, Saudi Pro League clubs chanced their arm trying to sign Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes has been United’s most valuable player since joining the club from Sporting CP, which is why he was made captain by former manager Erik ten Hag.
United will hope that their new signings can help shift some of the responsibility away from Fernandes next season, with players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo arriving to bolster Amorim’s attacking options.
Furthermore, United are making progress on a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, which should benefit key players like Fernandes in the final third.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates after the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox – Premier League/Getty Images
Al Nassr accept defeat in Bruno Fernandes transfer chase
Earlier this summer, Fernandes rejected an offer from Al-Hilal to move his career to Saudi Arabia.
This was a major boost for United as it meant Amorim would keep his star player ahead of a big season for the team.
However, Al Nassr also showed interest in Fernandes, but the midfielder made it clear he was staying put to continue working with Amorim.
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Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus, who worked with Fernandes at Sporting CP, admits having talks with Fernandes, but that a transfer was impossible this summer.
Speaking to media in Portugal following a 4-0 win over Rio Ave, Jesus said: “I wanted to, but Bruno decided on staying. We had already spoken last year. This year I knew he had made the decision to continue with Amorim.”
Al Nassr were planning to reunite Fernandes with Cristiano Ronaldo, but United fans will be delighted to know he is still pushing back efforts to lure him away from Old Trafford.
This also means Fernandes is enjoying his working relationship with Amorim, which can only be a positive ahead of the 2025/26 season.
When is Fernandes in action next?
For now, Fernandes is staying put, but it doesn’t sound like the Saudi Pro League clubs will be giving up on signing him anytime soon.
United have no reason to sell Fernandes if he continues to perform the way he has done since arriving at the club. The midfielder was the club’s top goalscorer again last season with 19 goals across all competitions.
Fernandes will be in action again for United when they host Fiorentina at Old Trafford on Saturday.
It will be United’s final pre-season fixture of the summer, and Fernandes has sent a cheeky message to former teammate David de Gea ahead of the Spaniard’s Old Trafford homecoming.