Bruno Fernandes was subject to approaches from three separate Saudi Pro League sides this summer – with one employing a unique tactic to lure the Manchester United midfielder to the Middle East, according to Ben Jacobs.
A three-way tussle for Fernandes
Fernandes was the Red Devils’ best player last season, returning an impressive 19 goals and 19 assists across a superb individual campaign for the club captain, despite the rest of the team’s struggles.
The idea that United would entertain his exit – a prospect head coach Ruben Amorim categorically ruled out – was an almost unthinkable one.
But Al-Hilal were intent on making Fernandes a statement signing this summer, and dialogue was established with the Portugal international’s representatives over an eye-watering sum to convince him to leave Old Trafford.
Fernandes is believed to have entertained the offer, at least from an exploratory perspective, but ultimately made the decision that his time within European football was not over, particularly with the World Cup next summer.
United insist the midfielder’s exit was not an option.
But well-placed sources indicate the club would have at least considered a blockbuster proposal – Al-Hilal were believed to be willing to offer as much as £100 million to complete the deal – for a player who turns 31 this month.
Al-Hilal were not the only side interested in Fernandes, however.
Ben Jacobs – a journalist with excellent contacts in Saudi Arabia – reveals Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad also made advances to sign the midfield maestro, with the former employing a unique tactic to convince Fernandes to say yes where Al-Hilal had received a no.
Drafting in Cristiano
Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr after his contract with United was mutually terminated in November 2022, has become a key decision maker for the Saudi club and is “directly involved” in their recruitment plan.
Jacobs reveals Ronaldo, 40, made an “informal approach” to Fernandes but was met with a “firm” response from his Portuguese teammate.
“Fernandes was also subject of an informal approach from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in late July. Ronaldo is now directly involved in Nassr’s recruitment after extending his contract with the club.
“Fernandes was again firm in his desire to stay in Europe for at least another 12 months. talkSPORT understand this was communicated directly to Ronaldo.”
Jacobs contends United “could be tempted” to sell Fernandes next summer as the club plots a comprehensive overhaul of Amorim’s midfield unit, with a return for Brighton starlet Carlos Baleba expected.
Whether Amorim would be willing to entertain his captain and most important player’s exit is an entirely different proposition, however.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
