Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has spoked about links with a move to Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he reckons that the club were open to his departure during the summer transfer window amid rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal reportedly made a substantial offer for the player, but the deal fell through, with the Old Trafford giants ultimately retaining their key playmaker.
In a revealing interview with Maisfutebol, Fernandes discussed his time at United and speculation surrounding his potential exit: "I can't complain, I'm very well paid, but obviously the difference is huge. That was never what guided me. If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I'll play in Saudi Arabia.
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"My lifestyle will change, my children's lives will be sunny - after six years in Manchester with cold and rain - I'll be playing in a growing league, with recognised players.
"I could have left like many people do and said; 'I want to leave, I don't want to train, I just want to leave for €20m or €30m, so they pay me more on the other side'. But I never did that. I never felt in a position to do that, because I felt that the empathy and affection I had for the club were the same.
"But there comes a point where, for them, money is more important than anything. The club wanted me to go, I have that in my head. I told the directors this, but I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision.
Bruno Fernandes in action for Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes in action for Man Utd (Image: Getty Images)
"I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely like the club. The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club's side, I felt a bit like; 'If you leave, it's not so bad for us'. It hurts me a lot.
"More than hurting, it makes me sad because I'm a player they have nothing to criticise about. I'm always available, and I always play - good or bad - I give my all. Then you see things around you, players who don't value the club as much and don't defend the club as much... that makes you sad."
The revelation from the skipper comes as something of a shock, particularly given his visible frustration with United's struggles for silverware in recent campaigns. A lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia could have drawn the curtain on his Old Trafford career, which is set to reach its fifth anniversary in the coming weeks.
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Fernandes disclosed that he'd been approached directly by Al-Hilal - the club most strongly linked with his signature - before ultimately rejecting their advances. Discussing the potential transfer, he explained: "The president of Al-Hilal spoke to me. He called me directly. [Joao] Neves sent me a message saying he wanted to talk to me.
"They wanted him to play in the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal. It was a love that started back in the Jorge Jesus days, he had already called me in 2023."
The candid confession from Fernandes arrives just months after such transfer speculation, as he remains a pivotal figure in the United squad. The 31-year-old has 18 months left on his existing contract, which runs until 2027, though the club hold an option to extend that agreement by a further year.
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Whether he'll be inclined to remain beyond that point is unclear, especially if fresh interest from Al-Hilal emerges in the coming months, although he remains a crucial figure in Ruben Amorim's plans.
Fernandes has transitioned from playing as a No.10 to operating in a deeper-lying midfield position this season, a tactical shift that initially drew criticism towards Amorim, but has subsequently proved highly effective.
"The frustration that he feels is because he wants to help a lot," the head coach said on his club captain earlier this season - as he hit the 300-appearance mark. "The teammates sometimes it's not the best way but he comes from a good place and you don't know that when you are not here.
"He wants the responsibility all the time. He suffers a lot with the losses. Every time we don't win a game, you can feel it. He takes it personally, as he should as a captain. He's a great leader, a great footballer."