Despite rejecting lucrative offers from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad last summer, Bruno Fernandes continues to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League – and the attacking midfielder has reportedly put his foot down
Bruno Fernandes will not leave Manchester United at the end of the season to go and play in Saudi Arabia.
The United captain turned down enticing offers from the likes of Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad last summer, with his heart seemingly set on remaining as a key figure in Ruben Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford.
While there have been recent suggestions that the 31-year-old will want away from United after next summer’s World Cup, sources close to Fernandes have told BBC Sport that this is not the case. Fernandes’ current deal runs until 2027, with the option to extend by another year.
And with regards to his future, Fernandes is also said to only be open to representing teams in major European leagues, making United a perfect suitor at present – especially if they can turn their fortunes around and secure Champions League football for 2026/27.
That’s a big ask at present, however. Amorim has struggled to turn the tide at United since stepping in as Erik ten Hag’s replacement last November, only mustering a 15th-place finish in the Premier League table last term.
Meanwhile, United currently sit 10th in the league standings at present with three wins, three losses and a draw to show for their opening seven fixtures. Couple that with an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two’s Grimsby Town in August, and it’s clear to see why Fernandes has been linked with a move away from the north west.
However, currently sitting as one of Amorim’s most influential players and one of the first names on the manager’s team-sheet, Fernandes may be aware that the grass may not be greener elsewhere.
It comes as Turki Al-Sheikh has dropped a cryptic message about the future of Manchester United’s ownership. The Glazer Family currently hold the rights to sell their entire stake in the club due to the activation of ‘drag along’ rights, which prevent majority owners from being held hostage by minority stakeholders.
Despite the Glazers holding the power to force Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sell his stake, there has been very little discussion of such an instance coming to fruition until Wednesday evening. In an almost out-of-the-blue post on X, Saudi businessman Al-Sheikh hinted that the club could soon change hands.
He wrote: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor. I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”
It came just hours after a rare interview with Ratcliffe was published, in which, the Ineos head gave no indication that he was planning to relinquish control of the club.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
2025-10-09 12:38:20
