Bruno Fernandes' Man Utd future flung into doubt as Saudi club makes massive bid

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are preparing a world-record transfer bid to lure Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, to the Middle East this summer.

The Riyadh-based club, flush with a £500 million transfer budget, has identified the 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder as their top target after Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah opted to stay at Anfield.

Al-Hilal’s audacious move includes a non-binding offer of a three-year contract worth approximately £65 million per year, dwarfing Fernandes’ current £300,000-a-week wages at United.

Talks between Fernandes’ representatives and Al-Hilal have reportedly taken place in recent weeks, with a further meeting on Monday, May 5, though the player has yet to respond to the proposal.

Fernandes, who signed a contract extension with United in 2024 tying him to the club until 2027 with an optional 12-month extension, has been a cornerstone of United’s squad since joining from Sporting CP in January 2020.

This season, he has delivered 19 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, including 11 direct goal involvements in the Europa League, where United hold a 3-0 lead over Athletic Club ahead of their semi-final second leg.

His stellar form has made him one of the few untouchable players in Ruben Amorim’s squad, alongside Harry Maguire, Amad Diallo, and Patrick Dorgu, as United navigate a turbulent campaign, sitting 13th in the Premier League after a 4-3 loss to Brentford.

Al-Hilal’s interest stems from their ambition to sign a marquee player before the Club World Cup in June 2025, following their semi-final exit from the Asian Champions League to Al-Ahli.

The club, currently second in the Saudi Pro League, is also seeking a new manager after Jorge Jesus’ departure and has other high-profile targets, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Reports of a £60 million buyout clause in Fernandes’ contract have been dismissed by sources at both United and Al-Hilal, with United insisting they have no intention of selling their captain, who is seen as central to Amorim’s rebuild.

Despite the lucrative offer, United’s leadership includling co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are confident Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford, reports The Sun.

The club’s financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), following £600 million in spending since 2022, have fueled speculation about potential sales, but Fernandes is considered indispensable. Al-Hilal’s pursuit, while tempting, faces hurdles, including Fernandes’ commitment to United’s project and the lack of a formal bid.