Bruno Fernandes is “not interested” in joining Al-Hilal amid reports linking the Manchester United captain with a blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, according to David Ornstein.
The 30-year-old midfielder was subject to an approach by Al-Hilal this week with a report relayed by The Peoples Person revealing his representatives had met with the club’s officials.
United’s response was believed to be absolute – the Red Devils would not entertain a deal for their talisman “for any price” – as Fernandes is considered one of “four untouchables” at Old Trafford, along with Amad, Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu.
But Al-Hilal are intent on signing a high-profile star from Europe after a long-standing pursuit of Liverpool winger Mohammed Salah failed with the Egyptian international putting pen to paper on a contract extension at Anfield.
Fernandes has emerged as a shock alternative with the Saudi Pro League side ready to submit a “non-binding offer” worth in excess of £65 million a year in wages. Sources close to the club insist there is a certain “threshold” United would be forced to consider for their captain, which could break the British transfer record.
However, Ornstein has revealed United are intent on “building around” Fernandes with the perspective at Old Trafford being the midfielder is “not going anywhere.” And this intent to remain in Manchester is mirrored by the club captain.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Athletic reporter states: ““In [United’s] mind, he’s not going anywhere. They’ll want to build around him. And the sounding we’re getting from these reports are that Bruno Fernandes is not interested in the move as things stand.
“We don’t know if that will change with the sort of numbers that might be proposed and they will become eye-watering if they really want to go for Bruno Fernandes.
“But if he wants to stay and continue his career in Europe, and Manchester United genuinely have no intent in cashing in on him regardless of their financial situation, then I imagine it’s a story that will end in him remaining at Old Trafford over the summer and into next season.”
This rejection of interest from Saudi Arabia mirrors a report relayed by The Peoples Person yesterday that Fernandes is “content” at Old Trafford, despite his side’s dismal form this season, as the Portuguese international has a great personal relationship with Ruben Amorim.
The United head coach addressed the reports in today’s press-conference, ahead of tomorrow night’s semi-clash with Athletic Club in the Europa League, revealing he can “understand” the interest in a world-class player like Fernandes but is adamant he wants the 30-year-old to remain at Old Trafford.
“I think it is easy to understand that [transfer speculation], not just because of the numbers but the way he plays. He is a top player and we need to top players. 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,” Amorim stated.
Ornstein’s admission that the “eye-watering” sums of money Al-Hilal would be willing to offer for the United midfielder could prove difficult to turn down – for both the club and the player – but Fernandes’ actions and words have always indicated a ‘footballing purist’; the type who would see a move to Saudi Arabia as the ‘wrong’ move for player at the peak of his powers.
Therefore, while the prospect of a staggering transfer fee and incomprehensible wage packet will be tempting, Fernandes appears a safe bet to be wearing both a Red shirt and the captain’s arm band at the start of next season.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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.
