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Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly made it a condition for joining Al-Hilal that they sign Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes’ United future has been the subject of intense speculation over the past few days, amidst heavy interest from Al-Hilal. The Saudi Pro League outfit are thought to be keen on securing the signature of a marquee player ahead of the Club World Cup and they’ve set their sights on Fernandes.
Despite a miserable 2024/25 campaign that saw United finish in 15th place and lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, Fernandes still enjoyed a superb season, registering 19 goals and 20 assists across all competitions.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Al-Hilal have offered Fernandes an eye-watering financial package worth up to £200million over three years, including bonuses.
Al-Hilal are also prepared to offer United £200million to sanction the sale of their skipper. It’s understood Fernandes is seriously considering this proposal but he doesn’t have long, as there is a deadline in place for him to accept before focus shifts to other targets.
Meanwhile, the future of Fernandes’ national teammate and United legend Ronaldo is also in doubt, with his Al-Nassr contract close to expiring.
Ronaldo’s terms with Al-Nassr run out on June 30 and on Monday, he strongly hinted that he could depart the club. He wrote on social media that “this chapter is over.”
There have been suggestions that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could complete a switch to Al-Hilal, where a reunion with Fernandes is on the cards.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey [via Football365], Ronaldo has informed Al-Hilal they will need to sign Fernandes if they want him to join their ranks.
Bailey said, “Al-Hilal are going for this. Inzaghi, Ronaldo and now the Premier League’s finest. I am told that Ronaldo has told Al-Hilal to get Bruno. There is a real belief within the corridors of power in Saudi football that they can get Bruno.”
“They are offering him wages only Ronaldo and Benzema have surpassed, they really are pushing the boat out. The Pro League’s record transfer was €90m for Neymar, they don’t often spend huge amounts but they are also willing to pay £100m for Bruno.”
“They didn’t get their top target for this summer in the shape of Mo Salah, but Bruno could be the big one. Al Hilal want to win the Club World Cup, and if they can bag Inzaghi, Ronaldo and Bruno…that would be some statement.”
“United have told Bruno he isn’t going…but 100m would be a lot to turn down for a player of his age, no matter how important.”
Since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Ronaldo has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances. He won the Arab Champions Cup in 2023 but has yet to clinch the Saudi Pro League or the King’s Cup.
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