Manchester United’s determination to retain Bruno Fernandes is likely to be challenged in the upcoming January transfer window. Clubs from both the Saudi Pro League and Europe are on high alert due to United’s current struggles, potentially looking to capitalise on the club’s turmoil with a bid for the talented playmaker.
Saudi club Al-Hilal previously made a staggering £100million offer for Fernandes during the summer, which led to the Portugal star stating publicly that he would depart if United felt it was the right time to cash in on him. However, both United and Fernandes – who is under contract until 2027 – rejected the bid, with Fernandes expressing his desire to continue playing at the highest level in major competitions.
Insiders have suggested that Saudi clubs are likely to make another attempt to lure Fernandes away in January, where he could earn a tax-free salary of £700,000-a-week, according to the Manchester Evening News. This would more than double his current wage.
For those top European clubs participating in the Champions League, Fernandes offers the added benefit of not being cup-tied given United’s failure to qualify for Europe this season.
Despite the 31-year-old pledging his commitment to United over the summer, the season has started poorly for Ruben Amorim’s side, currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League having taken seven points from a possible 18.
United also experienced a humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, while Amorim continues to stick with his contentious decision to deploy Fernandes in a deeper midfield role.
Fernandes has been visibly frustrated this season, having been utilised in a role that demands more defensive duties and evidently does not maximise his attacking prowess.
However, Amorim, who is feeling the heat after a disappointing start to his inaugural full season at United, has shown no signs of shifting Fernandes to a more forward position where he thrives.
Speaking last month, the United boss said: “If you remember Bruno, of course, Bruno wants all the freedom in the world, but even when he plays a No 10 role he’s getting the ball back.
“Maybe he’s not having the same freedom to get inside the box, but he’s getting there, and he’s near the box, and he can do his shots.
“I think it’s a position that I want Bruno more deep to have more possession, to try to control more the game, and we are doing that.”
