Man United Captain Rejects Saudi Move, Opts To Continue Career in Europe.
Bruno Fernandes was given a tight deadline to decide on a staggering offer from Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal. However, reportedly, he has rejected the big-money offer. He instead chose to remain at Manchester United and continue his career in top-tier European football.
The Saudi club was prepared to offer Fernandes a contract worth up to £200 million over three years. This would have included weekly wages of £700,000. This would have nearly tripled his current £250,000-a-week salary at Old Trafford.
Manchester United would have received a transfer fee close to £100 million. Reportedly, his agent, Miguel Pinho, travelled to Riyadh last week. Pinho was reported to stay in Saudi Arabia for three days to hold discussions and go over contract details with Al Hilal representatives.
However, even with the financial allure, Fernandes had decided against the move after. According to Sky Sports, after consulting with his family, he cited both footballing and personal reasons. It seems that the Portugal midfielder feels he still has plenty to contribute at the highest level in Europe.
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Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed the news on X, saying:
“Bruno Fernandes has REJECTED Al Hilal proposal. Despite crazy contract proposal from the Saudi Pro League club, Bruno Fernandes wants to continue playing football in Europe. Man United captain wants to play at top level in Europe. Decision made.”
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim expressed confidence in Fernandes’ loyalty even before Fernandes took his decision. After the team’s post-season friendly win in Hong Kong, Amorim was asked about his opinion of whether Fernandes would leave the club. He said:
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“I don’t think so. I don’t know for sure, nobody knows, but I don’t think so. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things, but that shows he wants to win. He’s really young, he’s really good, he needs to be in the best league in the world.”
The Red Devils had a disappointing 2024–25 season, where they finished 15th in the Premier League. Even so, it seems that the club captain has no intention of leaving. Fernandes could address the transfer saga publicly during Portugal’s pre-match press conference ahead of their Nations League semi-final against Germany.
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