Bruno Fernandes Responds To New Transfer Offer To Leave Manchester United
Amid mounting interest from the Saudi Pro League, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has firmly addressed the situation—confirming his commitment to Old Trafford while revealing that, under specific circumstances, he would accept a potential transfer. Here’s the full lowdown on the offers, his response, and what it all means for United’s future.
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🔥 The Saudi Offers: Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr Step Up
Al‑Hilal’s Record-Breaking Approach
Earlier in June 2025, reports emerged of a staggering contract from Al‑Hilal — reportedly worth around £200 million over three years, including wages of nearly £1 million per week and a potential transfer fee of up to £100 million for Fernandes. This would have made it one of the most lucrative deals in British football history.
A Fresh Bid From Al‑Nassr
More recently, Al‑Nassr—Cristiano Ronaldo’s club—have been linked with a surprise move for Fernandes as well. While the financial details are less clear, early reports suggest another large offer possibly exceeding £100 million in total value.
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🎙 Bruno Fernandes Breaks Silence: “I’ll stay—unless club says otherwise”
During a press conference while with Portugal’s national team, Fernandes addressed the speculated Saudi offers directly:
He confirmed that Al‑Hilal’s president contacted him a month prior to propose the deal.
He emphasized he would support a move only if Manchester United decided to sell him. “I’ve always said I’ll stay until the club tells me to leave.”
Fernandes publicly stated: “I want to keep playing at the highest level,” adding that he spoke with manager Ruben Amorim, who “really tried to talk me out of it.”
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🧭 What Happened Behind the Scenes
🏟 The Club’s Role
United’s board and Amorim made it clear they valued Fernandes highly and were not interested in selling him unless he himself chose to leave.
💡 Management Influence
Manager Ruben Amorim personally persuaded Fernandes to stay, outlining his essential role in United’s rebuilding project. The coach’s confidence was reciprocated by Fernandes, who said the club’s plans convinced him he still had unfinished business at Old Trafford.
👪 Personal Reflection
Fernandes insisted he has not ruled out a move—but only under mutual agreement. If the club were willing to cash in, he said, “it is what it is—football sometimes is like this.” His decision to stay stemmed from detailed discussions with family, and ambition to continue playing at the top level.
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⚽ Career Context & Performance Rekindles Loyalty
Fernandes has become Manchester United’s fulcrum since joining in January 2020 for around €55 million (£47 million), and has accumulated nearly 100 goals plus double-digit assists for the club.
Despite United enduring a catastrophic 15th‑place Premier League finish and a Europa League final loss in 2025 — their worst season in decades — Fernandes stood out: he counted 19 goals and 19 assists in the campaign and received the club’s Player of the Year award for the fourth time.
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🔄 Impact on United’s Rebuild & Squad Strategy
🔐 Key Holder in Amorim’s Plan
Bruno remains central to manager Ruben Amorim’s vision. The Portuguese midfield anchor is expected to operate from a deeper central role, guiding United’s rebuild alongside new attacking personnel.
💸 Financial Flexibility
Had he welcomed a move, United would have reaped a sizeable £100 million-plus windfall. However, their refusal indicates a club that believes there are alternative ways to fund squad upgrades beyond cashing in on its key figures.
👥 Squad Reinforcements Going Ahead
Other high-profile signings—such as Matheus Cunha (£62.5 m) and Bryan Mbeumo (~£50 m)—are already in progress and remain unaffected by Fernandes’s decision. Funds may instead come from other departures like Sancho, Rashford or Antony to free space for new additions.
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🧠 The True Narrative: Loyalty, Ambition, and Pragmatism
1. Loyalty with Conditions
Fernandes’ public stance is clear: he loves United, sees himself at the club for the foreseeable future, but will abide should the club prefer to sell.
2. Ambition to Stay at Elite Level
Despite United’s downturn, he has consistently expressed his desire to compete in top-tier European football—notably valuing competition over salary.
3. Pragmatic Awareness
He acknowledged the business side: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways… football sometimes is like this.” Fernandes balanced personal pride with professional realism.
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🧾 Summary Table: Fernandes’s Transfer Response
Topic Bruno’s Stance / Explanation
Al‑Hilal Offer Turned down roughly £100m fee + £700k/week salary to stay
Al‑Nassr Interest Al-Nassr reportedly readying another major offer; Fernandes yet to decide
Amorim Influence Persuaded Fernandes to stay; sees him central to United’s future
Club Position United not selling unless captain initiates it
Personal Ambition Prioritizes playing at highest level and competing in Europe
Financial Impact Turning down offers restricts available transfer funds
Squad Rebuild Status Key signings proceeding; Fernandes to adapt to deeper midfield role
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🔮 What Next for Fernandes and United?
As Manchester United formally rejects Saudi offers, Fernandes’s future remains aligned with the club—unless the situation changes by mutual consent.
On the field, he’ll lead a transformed squad under Amorim, playing deeper and acting as a fulcrum between midfield and United’s new attacking recruits like Cunha and Mbeumo. How he adapts to this role will shape not only his legacy but also United’s trajectory in their rebuild.
Off the field, both sides likely view this as the end of the Saudi saga for now—but should a better financial and footballing alignment emerge, it could be revisited in future windows. For now though, Fernandes’s message is unequivocal: he’s staying… until he’s not
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