This Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has reportedly knocked back a massive £200 million offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. However, his future at Old Trafford is still far from certain.
Bruno Fernandes, who earns £280,000 per week at United, was reportedly offered a three-year deal. It is said to be worth nearly £67 million annually by the Saudi giants. The package would have seen his wages jump to a tax-free £700,000 per week. Possibly more than double his current salary.
Agent Held Direct Talks in Riyadh
Fernandes’ representative, Miguel Pinho, spent three days at the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh last week. They were holding face-to-face meetings with Al Hilal (9.20) officials. The Saudi club were also prepared to pay Manchester United (34.17) around £100 million.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fernandes has decided to reject the proposal. This is because he wants to keep playing at Europe’s top level.
United’s Poor Season Adds Pressure
This decision could still spell trouble for United, who endured a dismal 2024-25 campaign. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, their worst-ever finish, and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham (7.20).
That defeat cost United dearly. Missing out on Champions League soccer means they’ve lost around £100 million in potential revenue, putting extra financial pressure on the club.
Social Media Hints at Uncertainty
Fernandes has kept fans guessing about his future through cryptic social media posts. On Saturday, he shared an Instagram story in Portuguese that read: “If you tried and failed, congratulations! Some people don’t even try.”
The timing raised eyebrows, especially after he was spotted at former Manchester City (1.07) defender Joao Cancelo’s 31st birthday party over the weekend. Both players will link up for Portugal duty this week.
Amorim Confident But Realistic
United manager Ruben Amorim remains hopeful his captain will stay. After their 3-1 friendly win over Hong Kong, he said: “I don’t think so. I don’t know for sure. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things.”
But even Amorim admits uncertainty: “The feeling I get is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United, you never know.”
Fernandes Open to Exit
The midfielder himself hasn’t ruled out leaving. Speaking after the Europa League final defeat, he said: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is. Football sometimes is like this.”
Numbers Tell the Story
Since joining United from Sporting Lisbon (151.47) in January 2020 for £47 million, Fernandes has been one of their most consistent performers. He’s scored 79 goals and provided 67 assists in 234 appearances across all competitions.
But United’s decline has been stark. They’ve failed to win a major trophy since the Europa League in 2017, and their 15th-place league finish represents their lowest position since the Premier League began in 1992.
What’s Next?
While Fernandes has turned down Saudi riches, other European giants are reportedly interested. Bayern Munich (1.01) and Real Madrid (1.24) have been linked with moves for the playmaker, who still has two years left on his United contract.
United sources insist they don’t want to sell their captain, but the club’s financial situation and lack of Champions League soccer could force their hand.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Fernandes’ rejection of Al-Hilal’s offer signals his commitment to United or simply his desire to secure a move to a bigger European club.
With United already signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves and close to landing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, the summer transfer window promises to be eventful at Old Trafford, regardless of what Fernandes decides.
