Bruno Fernandes is giving serious consideration to an approach from Al Hilal, with talks continuing in Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal are trying to pull off a major transfer by recruiting the Manchester United captain, whose agent has flown to the Middle East for negotiations.
The outcome is uncertain at this stage, but it is felt Fernandes has not ruled out the prospect of leaving United.
The deal, according to people familiar with the matter speaking anonymously to protect relationships, is for four years on €25million a year net, equivalent to triple his current salary, while Al Hilal are said to be prepared to pay United £80m.
Fernandes, 30, seemed to open the door on a possible exit by stating after the Europa League final: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cash-in, football sometimes is like this.”
He slightly changed tone after United’s victory over Aston Villa on Sunday: “I am just a very lucky guy who is living his dream in one of the best clubs in the world, in the best league in the world. What more can I ask?
“I just have to give it my all, for my team-mates, for myself, for my fans and for everyone who has been through every moment with me. That’s all.”
Head coach Ruben Amorim appears confident Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford. “I don’t think so,” Amorim said later on Friday after United’s 3-1 victory over Hong Kong when about if Fernandes was leaving. “I don’t know for sure, but nobody knows. But I don’t think so.
“He is seeing us changing some actions to change all the things and I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things. But he shows that he wants to win. He is really hungry. He is really good. He needs to be in the best league in the world.
“Yes, the club can find other ways to make money.
“I am the manager, the coach, sometimes decisions of the player, of course I talk to him, I just have that feeling. When you talk to someone, you have that feeling. Of course, in a lot of games, he is frustrated. The feeling I get is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United, (but) you never know.”
United are relaxed about the situation and Fernandes has been an example in Malaysia and Hong Kong, fully committed in giving his time to fans graciously and supporting the young players on tour.
There were similar noises about a departure last summer, and Fernandes later admitted he thought about leaving, but he ultimately signed a one-year extension taking his contract to 2027 with the option of an extra season.
United’s financial picture is even more difficult than 12 months ago, however, due to the absence of European football and people at the club believe the failure to qualify for the Champions League is a significant factor in Fernandes’ thoughts.
There is also a feeling internally that should United entertain Al Hilal’s bid, that might invite European teams to the table.
(Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
