Manchester United could be bracing for one of the biggest transfer tug-of-wars of 2025, as two Saudi Arabian powerhouses have reportedly set their sights on club captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfield maestro, who has been the creative engine and emotional heartbeat of United since his arrival in 2020, is now at the center of growing speculation linking him with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League this coming summer.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Al Nassr and Al Hilalโtwo of the most dominant forces in Saudi footballโare both preparing massive bids to lure Fernandes away from Old Trafford. Both clubs are said to be ready to offer wages that could triple his current ยฃ240,000-a-week salary, along with long-term deals that would make him one of the highest-paid players in world football.
For Manchester United, the timing of this potential approach is tricky. The club is in a period of rebuilding under manager Rรบben Amorim, who considers Fernandes a vital figure in his tactical setup. Losing their captain and primary playmaker in January or even next summer would be a major setback to Unitedโs ambitions of returning to Europeโs elite. Amorim has already made it clear that he sees Fernandes as โuntouchable,โ but the financial lure from the Gulf could test both the clubโs and the playerโs resolve.
Meanwhile, Fernandes, now 31, has not publicly commented on the reports, but insiders claim he remains focused on leading United through their Premier League and European campaigns. However, he has also expressed admiration in the past for the growing competitiveness and global appeal of the Saudi Pro Leagueโa statement that may now come back under the spotlight.
Saudi Arabiaโs clubs have already made waves by attracting top European stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, and adding Bruno Fernandes would further elevate the leagueโs profile. For the player, it could be a golden final chapter in a glittering career; for United, it could spell the end of an era.
With the January window approaching, all eyes will be on Old Trafford. Will Fernandes stay loyal to Unitedโs ongoing projectโor will the desert gold prove too tempting to resist?
