In a dramatic twist to the summer transfer window, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could be on the verge of a blockbuster move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Reports confirm that Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, held face-to-face talks with Al-Hilal officials at the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh on Thursday night, discussing a staggering £200 million deal that could see the Portuguese midfielder leave Old Trafford. The negotiations, described as productive by Saudi sources, extended late into the evening, signaling serious intent from both sides to finalize an agreement.
Al-Hilal, one of the Saudi Pro League’s powerhouse clubs, have identified Fernandes as their top target to bolster their squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off on June 14. The Riyadh-based club, which boasts former Premier League stars like Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic, is eager to secure a marquee signing after missing out on Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who opted to stay at Anfield. With a reported £510 million budget for a high-profile acquisition, Al-Hilal are prepared to break the British transfer record to lure Fernandes, offering a three-year contract worth approximately £65 million per season, equating to a tax-free weekly salary of £700,000, including bonuses. The deal would also involve a transfer fee in the region of £100 million to Manchester United.
The talks come at a critical juncture for Manchester United, who are grappling with financial pressures following a disappointing season. The club’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League and their defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final have cost them an estimated £100 million in Champions League revenue, compounding existing financial constraints under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS ownership. Fernandes himself acknowledged the possibility of a departure after the Europa League final, stating, “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.” His comments have fueled speculation that United could be tempted to sell their star player to fund a squad rebuild under manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim, however, has been vocal about his desire to keep Fernandes, emphasizing the 30-year-old’s importance to the team. With 19 goals and 18 assists across all competitions this season, Fernandes has been United’s standout performer, leading the Premier League in chances created and driving their Europa League campaign. “I think it is easy to understand his importance, not just because of the numbers but the way he plays,” Amorim said, underscoring his determination to retain his captain. Despite this, the allure of Al-Hilal’s offer and United’s need to alleviate financial strain could force a tough decision.
The Saudi club has set a tight deadline for Fernandes to respond, initially giving him 72 hours earlier this week to accept their “take it or leave it” proposal. While Fernandes has not yet made a final decision, Al-Hilal remain optimistic, noting that he has not rejected their offer outright. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Fernandes’ camp is carefully considering the move, with assurances that he could maintain his place in the Portugal national team, as Cristiano Ronaldo did after joining Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League’s growing global influence and Al-Hilal’s ambition to make a statement at the Club World Cup add further weight to their pursuit.
For Manchester United, losing Fernandes would be a significant blow. Signed from Sporting CP in January 2020 for up to £68 million, he has been a cornerstone of the team, wearing the captain’s armband since July 2023. His current contract, extended last year until 2027 with an option for an additional 12 months, was believed to include a £60 million buyout clause, though both United and Al-Hilal sources have downplayed this figure. The club’s hierarchy, backed by INEOS, insists they do not want to sell their best player, but the financial realities of missing out on European football and the need to revamp an underperforming squad could tip the scales.