Manchester United skipper still wanted by Saudi Pro League clubs, considering summer switch

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Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is still high on the wish list of Saudi Pro League clubs. Al Hilal pushed for his signature last summer – offering to nearly double his £300k-per-week salary, but the player opted to stay in Manchester for the time being.

TalkSport has now reported that Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are at the front of the queue, with Al Hilal unlikely to reenter the race. Any deal would be targeted for the summer, as Fernandes has remained firm in his decision to staying with United heading into this summer’s World Cup.

While Fernandes was reportedly tempted by Al Hilal’s offer last summer, he believed another year in the Premier League would help his standing with his place in the Portugal set up. The United skipper also spoke publicly about the interest from Saudi, saying he is happy at United but does not rule out a future departure should the club decide to “cash in.”

United could still do that next summer, with as they would hold a strong bargaining position. Fernandes’ current deal set to expire in 2027, and United are expected to demand in excess of £60m for his signature.

Fernandes’ Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo could play a part in convincing him to move to Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo has been granted an official role in Al-Nassr’s recruiting setup, and is understood to have informally contacted Fernandes last summer.

No bid was officially launched with the view that Fernandes is a more realistic target next summer. Ronaldo also played a key role in recruiting another compatriot to the club over the summer, in former Chelsea man Joao Felix.