United star giving “serious consideration” to blockbuster £80m exit despite Amorim demanding he stays – Athletic

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is giving “serious consideration” towards a blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia, according to a report.

Fernandes, 30, has been subject to an “approach” by Al-Hilal, who finished second in the Saudi Pro League this season.

Initially, there was believed to be little chance the explosive switch would materialise with both Fernandes and United executives keen for the Portuguese midfielder to remain at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim was even more adamant he must stay, revealing “we need” players like Fernandes when news of Al-Hilal’s interest first broke. “He is a leader, the captain. It is natural that people want Bruno, but we want to keep him. He is one of the top players of the world,” United’s head coach concluded.

Fernandes was not thought to be open to a move to the Saudi Pro League either, while his teammates were reported to have “begged” their captain to stay next season.

However, Al-Hilal have not given up hope of signing the 30-year-old talisman after identifying him as a key target due to their pursuit of Liverpool winger Mohammed Salah.

The Saudi club want to sign Fernandes before the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14, as a “marquee” signing for the flagship event.

As such, their approach is described as a “one-time opportunity” and they will quickly move on to other targets if their interest is rebuffed.

But Fernandes’ agent was spotted in Riyadh yesterday at a hotel which Al-Hilal typically use for transfer negotiations as it is close to their headquarters in the Saudi capital.

Reports then emerged describing these “face-to-face talks” as “productive” with sources stressing that a deal remained a possibility as Fernandes had not rejected the “mega bid“.

Now, Laurie Whitwell (The Athletic) reveals United’s captain is giving “serious consideration” to Al-Hilal’s proposal – a four-year contract worth “€25million a year net, equivalent to triple his current salary”. The Saudi club are willing to offer the Red Devils £80 million as a transfer fee.

On United’s post-season tour in Asia, Amorim once again reiterated the need for Fernandes to remain at Old Trafford.

“He is really important for us and what we want to build for the team,” the former Sporting manager states. “We talk about this many times. You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain.”

Whitwell describes United as “relaxed” about the situation with a sense amongst executives that entertaining Al-Hilal’s interest may even “invite European teams to table” at a time when the club’s financial situation is fraught.

An £80 million offer for a player who turns 31 in September may prove difficult for INEOS to reject, even if it would likely start a riot in the red half of Manchester.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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