The future of Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United is far from certain; however, it will be resolved in 2026 one way or another.
After a season in which Bruno Fernandes has once again been brilliant, all the talk is that he is in his final year at the club.
If true, Manchester United face the biggest decision of the summer with Fernandes, as losing the Portuguese star would not only leave a gaping hole in the team but also in the dressing room.
Fernandes is a massive player for the Red Devils, and with Casemiro announcing he is leaving United in June, it would be a double blow to also lose the club captain.
However, with a Fernandes’ £57m release clause, there will be a long list of suitors looking to sign him if Ineos don’t make the club title contenders.
Should Manchester United keep Bruno Fernandes this summer, or is the time right to sell for big money?
Bruno Fernandes roars in celebration
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Manchester United insisting on keeping Bruno Fernandes
Ever since Bruno Fernandes’ bombshell interview at the end of last year, it has felt like he might be set to leave the club in the summer of 2026.
Few fans would support this, but the acceptance has seen Cole Palmer emerge as a potential replacement, not that he is at the same level.
Michael Carrick speaks with Bruno Fernandes during the Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in 2026.
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
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However, now in a report, journalist Ben Jacobs on talkSPORT has claimed that Fernandes is one of 50 names on the Saudi Pro League list to be moved for in the summer of 2026.
Al-Ittihad are one of three clubs keen on the United legend, with his release clause looking like a bargain right now, given he still has years left at the top.
The report claims that United sources are insisting that they want to keep Fernandes, as he remains in the long-term plans of the club.
Fernandes almost moved to Saudi Arabia last summer, before deciding against it, and will have the same decision to make this year, although it won’t be until after the World Cup.
Would you be happy with Cole Palmer as Bruno Fernandes’ successor?
Can Palmer be the man to take over from the irreplaceable United captain?
Palmer vs Fernandes
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Manchester United shouldn’t rule out new contract for Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes is undoubtedly United’s best player in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, becoming ‘Mr. Manchester United’ and replacing him looks like an impossible task.
Due to this, United shouldn’t be in a rush to sell Fernandes for £57m, given he is currently irreplaceable in terms of the options available.
At just 31, Fernandes has years left at the top and is showing no signs of slowing down; if anything, he is better than ever.
Fernandes’ contract expires in 2027, with the option of a further year, by which stage he would only be 33 and likely still producing the same output.
United cannot match Fernandes’ creativity or impact around the club, so they should think very carefully before selling.
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