Manchester United are reportedly willing to release captain Bruno Fernandes at the end of the 2025-26 season, despite the midfielder rejecting lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League clubs during the recent summer transfer window.
Man Utd Prepared to Part with Captain Fernandes in 2026
Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad all submitted proposals for the 31-year-old, including a £100 million bid and a staggering £700,000-per-week salary package from Al-Hilal.
According to former United chief scout Mick Brown, the club was prepared to sell Fernandes in the summer for the right price and remains open to his departure in 2026.
Brown stated, “It was Fernandes who decided to stay at United in the summer. Man United were open to letting him go at the right price, but he wanted to stay for at least another season”.
Fernandes, who has made 294 competitive appearances for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, emphasized his commitment to United after turning down the Saudi offers.
He stated, “I haven’t fulfilled my dreams here yet. I think I can still give something to the club. I will be here until the club decides that, ‘Bruno, it’s time to go'”.
However, with Fernandes entering the final 12 months of his contract next summer, United may consider cashing in on their ageing star to secure a significant fee for reinvestment.
The club believes a younger midfielder could be brought in as his long-term successor.
Saudi Pro League clubs have maintained contact with Fernandes’ camp and are expected to renew their pursuit in 2026.
Fernandes has been informed that a move to Saudi Arabia would not impact his position in the Portugal national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
While manager Ruben Amorim considers Fernandes a crucial part of his plans, the United hierarchy recognizes that the captain’s transfer value will decline with age and contract expiration.
