Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal have reportedly given Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes until next week to decide whether or not he will accept their lucrative offer.
United’s failure to win the Europa League, following their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, has left them in a dire financial state heading into the summer transfer window.
Without player sales, Ruben Amorim will be limited to a very small transfer budget, which is a less-than-ideal situation, considering the many changes needed to improve the team and make his system work.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are prepared to listen to offers for every single player, even Fernandes, who has been one of the very few positives this term. The Portuguese playmaker has notched an impressive 19 goals and as many assists in 56 appearances across all competitions.
He won both the club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.
Al-Hilal have been mentioned as an interested party in Fernandes. Indeed, it’s believed they want to have him in place for the Club World Cup next month.
To try and lure Fernandes away from Old Trafford, Al-Hilal have offered the midfielder an eye-watering £200million deal. Fernandes will earn around £65m-a-season if he accepts their terms.
Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail has given an update, indicating that Al-Hilal are ready to offer United a transfer fee of around £100m if Fernandes gives them the green light.
The 30-year-old has until next week to decide and if that deadline passes, Al-Hilal will move on to other targets.
Wheeler says that Al-Hilal are “increasingly hopeful” Fernandes can be persuaded to quit United and complete a switch to the Gulf state.
The Saudi outfit will present Fernandes with a formal and final offer in the “coming days” and give him just 72 hours to respond.
It’s understood that Fernandes is happy at United and the club want to keep him, though circumstances may ultimately leave both sides with little choice. As noted, the 20-time English champions are in urgent need of funds, and Fernandes might eventually conclude that leaving the uncertainty of Old Trafford behind in favour of the lucrative offer available is the best move for his career.
A move to Saudi Arabia is unlikely to impact his international career. Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernandes is almost certain to maintain his spot in the Selecao squad.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
