Man Utd face €100m Bruno Fernandes threat
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 13 Nov 2023 06:40 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United face a fight to keep midfielder Bruno Fernandes at the club during the January transfer window, according to a report from Spain that states the Saudi Pro League is willing to pay €100 million to snap up the Portugal international star.
Although United have endured another difficult start to the season, despite rising to sixth in the Premier League table at the weekend thanks to a 1-0 win over Luton Town, Fernandes has been one of their better players.
While the likes of Antony and Raphael Varane have seen their stars fall at Old Trafford this season, the 29-year-old retains the faith of manager Erik ten Hag, who has handed him the captain’s armband and has been rewarded with four goals and three assists in 16 appearances.
MORE: Andre responds to Man Utd links ahead of January transfer window
According to Fichajes, Man Utd will have to rebuff interest from Saudi Arabia if they are to retain the services of the former Sporting CP player.
“Sources close to the deal suggest several Saudi clubs have expressed significant interest in Bruno Fernandes and are willing to shell out a substantial fee to secure his services. The offer, estimated at around €100m, poses a crucial decision to Manchester United and its sports management, who could make big money from a player who has clearly gone from strength to strength since his arrival from Sporting CP,” it said.
MORE: Antony leads €90m Man Utd trio Ratcliffe will axe
Racliffe’s first big question
With the takeover of Sir Jim Ratcliffe close – the English billionaire is set to buy 25% of the club and take over the running of the sporting side of things – the Fernandes question could be the first significant one posed for the new regime.
It would be surprising if Man Utd were to agree to a sale of one of their most important players, with Fernandes having arrived from Sporting CP in January 2020 for €65m.
He remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2026, so there is no pressure on the Red Devils to make a deal, although it would be unsurprising if Bruno’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo was not trying to sell the Saudi Pro League, and particularly Al-Nassr, as a destination to the playmaker.
