Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has reportedly turned down a staggering £200 million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, according to multiple sources. The Saudi club had been aggressively pursuing the Portuguese midfielder, even initiating direct talks with his representatives last week.
Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, was spotted in Riyadh, where he spent three days at the Four Seasons hotel holding face-to-face discussions with Al-Hilal officials. The proposed deal included a three-year contract worth £200 million and a weekly wage of £700,000—more than double Fernandes’ current £280,000 salary.
Despite the lucrative offer, Fernandes has opted to stay in Europe. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 29-year-old is determined to continue competing at the highest level of European football. However, this decision raises questions about his future at Manchester United, who endured a dismal season—finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
Had United secured victory in that final, they would have qualified for the UEFA Champions League, potentially strengthening their hand in retaining Fernandes. The midfielder himself hinted at uncertainty following the defeat, saying: “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.”
Speculation around Fernandes’ future intensified after he was seen at João Cancelo’s birthday celebration over the weekend, alongside Al-Hilal players. This followed a cryptic Instagram Story in Portuguese that read: “If you tried and failed, congratulations! There are people who don’t even try.”
His appearance at the party, just days after returning from United’s underwhelming post-season tour in Asia, where they lost to the ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia, only added fuel to the rumours. Fans had paid up to £260 to attend the match, which ended in disappointment.
Despite the swirling speculation, United manager Ruben Amorim remains hopeful. After their final tour match, he said: “I don’t think he’s played his last game for us. He’s saying no to a lot of things. I think he wants to stay.”
As of now, Bruno Fernandes remains committed to United, but with top European clubs potentially circling and United’s future uncertain, the saga may be far from over.
Read more: Chelsea complete signing of Sporting Lisbon youngster Dario Essugo
Liverpool’s club-record bid for Florian Wirtz rejected by Bayer Leverkusen
Wolves begin search for new left-back as Ait-Nouri edges closer to Man City move
