Bruno Fernandes’ Potential Move to Al Hilal
Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, is reportedly contemplating a significant offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, as discussions continue in the region. The club is keen on securing a major signing and has engaged Fernandes’ agent, who has traveled to the Middle East to facilitate negotiations. At this point, the final decision remains unclear; however, insiders suggest that Fernandes has not dismissed the possibility of departing from United.
Contract Offer and Financial Implications
The proposed contract from Al Hilal spans four years, offering Fernandes a staggering €25 million annually in net salary, which would be three times his current earnings. Additionally, Al Hilal is rumored to be willing to pay Manchester United approximately £80 million for the transfer.
Fernandes’ Statements on His Future
“If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cash-in, football sometimes works like that.”
At 30 years old, Fernandes hinted at a potential exit during a press conference following the Europa League final. Following Manchester United’s recent victory over Aston Villa, however, he adopted a more positive tone, expressing his gratitude for being part of such a prestigious club in a top league, and emphasizing his dedication to the team and its supporters.
Support from Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim, who has been vocal about his desire for Fernandes to remain with the team, praised the midfielder’s contributions and leadership qualities. Before United’s first post-season friendly in Kuala Lumpur, Amorim stated that Fernandes is vital for the club’s future ambitions, saying:
“His performances reflect his passion for the game, and he is the captain who steps up during challenging times.”
Current Situation and Future Considerations
While Manchester United is currently at ease regarding Fernandes’ situation, his commitment has been evident during the summer tours in Malaysia and Hong Kong, where he has interacted graciously with fans and mentored younger players. Similar speculation arose last summer, and although Fernandes considered a move, he later opted to extend his contract by an additional year, now set to expire in 2027 with a potential option for a further season.
Nonetheless, with United’s current financial constraints aggravated by the absence from European competitions this season, the club believes that failure to qualify for the Champions League may weigh heavily on Fernandes’ decision-making process. Furthermore, there is an internal sentiment that accepting Al Hilal’s offer could prompt interest from other European clubs, leading to a more competitive transfer scenario.
