Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes is giving serious consideration to an approach from Al Hilal.
The Saudi Arabian outfit are trying to pull off a major summer transfer by recruiting the Manchester United captain, whose agent has flown to the Middle East for negotiations.
While uncertainty still lingers over the outcome of events, it appears Fernandes has not ruled out the prospect of leaving United.
The deal, according to people familiar with the matter speaking anonymously to protect relationships, is a four-year contract worth €25 million a year. Al Hilal are also said to be prepared to pay United £80m.
What did Bruno Fernandes say?
Fernandes, 30, seemed to open the door on a possible exit following a statement after the Europa League final: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cash-in, football sometimes is like this.”
He slightly changed tone after United’s victory over Aston Villa on Sunday saying “I am just a very lucky guy who is living his dream in one of the best clubs in the world, in the best league in the world. What more can I ask?
“I just have to give it my all, for my team-mates, for myself, for my fans and for everyone who has been through every moment with me. That’s all.”
Read More: Johnson’s goal hands Tottenham Europa League title over Man United
What Amorim said
Head coach Ruben Amorim appears confident Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford. “I don’t think so,” Amorim said later on Friday after United’s 3-1 victory over Hong Kong when about if Fernandes was leaving. “I don’t know for sure, but nobody knows. But I don’t think so.
“He is seeing us changing some actions to change all the things and I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things. But he shows that he wants to win. He is really hungry. He is really good. He needs to be in the best league in the world.
“Yes, the club can find other ways to make money.
“I am the manager, the coach, sometimes decisions of the player, of course I talk to him, I just have that feeling. When you talk to someone, you have that feeling. Of course, in a lot of games, he is frustrated. The feeling I get is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United, (but) you never know.”
Read: Amorim to apologize to Manchester United fans after Villa game
Bruno Fernandes transfer saga
There were similar noises about a departure last summer, and Fernandes later admitted he thought about leaving, but he ultimately signed a one-year extension taking his contract to 2027 with the option of an extra season.
Manchester United are in an even more dire financial situation over the past 12 months. And people are the club believe the absence of European football and the failure to qualify for the Champions League is a significant factor in Bruno Fernandes’ thoughts.
There is also a feeling that should United entertain Al Hilal’s bid, that might invite European teams to the table
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