Ball in Manchester United star’s court as transfer guru gives insight on Saudi interest

United have been getting interest and offers for him from the Saudi Pro League as they look to make Bruno their next headline arrival. Al-Hilal are said to be leading the charge for his signature. If we go to last summer, we saw them put up an offer which was close to £100 million for his signatures. This alongside that monster contract that they were ready to give to Fernandes. But Bruno said no.

And now, with January approaching, whispers have started getting louder again. But Bruno’s stance reportedly still hasn’t changed.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, while Saudi clubs have made contact again, Fernandes has no plans to leave the corridors of M16 in the middle of the season. The reputed transfer journalist insists that Bruno is not entertaining a January move. And more so, he is not ready to be forced out of Old Trafford.

This comes off the back of reports that United had pre-agreed to sell Fernandes to Saudi clubs in 2026. Whether that’s something the club pushed or just one of many options being considered, the message from the player is clear: he’ll go when he feels the time is right.

These rumours have appeared just in time, haven’t they?

The timing of all this appears to be intentional, doesn’t it? He has faced these criticisms just about now for his performances and how he is playing in this Ruben Amorim system. Then he missed that penalty in the defeat to Brentford and has looked misplaced playing deeper in midfield.

But let’s not recast history. In Bruno we are talking about a player who took United through a lot in the past years. Since moving to M16 from Sporting CP in 2020, Bruno has been the heartbeat of the team at all times. He has given it all, be it goals or assists, and then also he is a leader in that dressing room.

WAFU Opinion

Fernandes might not be the ideal tactical fit for Amorim given where he is currently playing him, but going as far as driving him out would make a massive statement. Offloading your captain, who has still got fuel in the tank, only makes sense if the club is absolutely behind the manager’s long-term project (which doesn’t appear to be the case given the poor performances under Amorim).

United need to be wary. But for the time being, the ball’s in Bruno’s court…