Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is reportedly open to leaving Man United next year
Manchester United captain is reportedly considering departing the club next summer despite rejecting a hugely lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia.
Fernandes was strongly linked with a switch to Al-Hilal earlier this summer, but he eventually chose to decline their approach. Al-Hilal weighed up a £100million offer and were prepared to hand Fernandes £700,000-a-week and he could have pocketed approximately £200million across a three-year contract.
Nevertheless, he has subsequently been connected with a switch to another Saudi Pro League outfit, with Al-Ittihad reportedly having held discussions with Fernandes' agents. claim that Fernandes wishes to stay at for another season in order to 'avoid any disruption' before the 2026 World Cup.
The report suggests that he would then contemplate departing following the tournament. It is alleged Fernandes would be willing to join a side in Saudi Arabia, America or another prominent European division.
And United may choose to cash in, having just splashed out £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to feature in Fernandes' preferred No.10 position. Outlining his choice to reject Al-Hilal, Fernandes told Sky Sports earlier this month: "I haven't fulfilled my dreams here yet. I think I can still give something to the club.
"I think I'm still in a position where I'm helpful so the thing for me is that I will be here until the club decides that 'Bruno, it's time to go'. Obviously, I know it was tough on the club to decide that because it was a big amount of money that the club hasn't got probably since Cristiano [Ronaldo] left, he was the last one where they got so much money for a player.
"I know for the club it was tough to decide. Because on one side I'm the club captain, I'm important for them, even if at times I've not been great, I've been performing and everything. I know that in the public eye it will be bad if things go wrong. But it would be very good if things go well – if they sell me and they get more players and whatever. But in my mind I've always said that this is the place I want to be.
"The dream of coming and playing in the , because for me it is the biggest league in the world and I want to fulfil my dreams of staying here and winning more things with the club. Obviously I know people will have different opinions – he's 30 years old, he's getting old.."
He went on to say: "It was a very ambitious proposal. The president was a fantastic person. We never discussed the amount [initially]. With my agent? Of course. Then, I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career.
"She was someone who always supported me a lot. It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team, we have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it."
Sky Sports deal
Sky has slashed the price of its bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on .
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new . You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our
Sign up to our community , and join our WhatsApp channel .
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our.