Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, finds himself at a crucial crossroads this off-season.
With a tempting offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal on the table, Fernandes has just one week to decide if he’ll make the move to the Saudi Pro League or stay put at Old Trafford.
This situation is unfolding while he’s currently away with United on their post-season tour of Asia, adding a tricky time-zone challenge to the negotiations.
Al-Hilal Sets a Tight Deadline for Fernandes’ Response
Al-Hilal wasted no time laying down the gauntlet, initially giving Fernandes and his representatives just 72 hours to respond to their final ‘take it or leave it’ offer.
The deal on the table reportedly includes a staggering £200 million spread over a three-year contract.
Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, has been deep in talks in Riyadh, including a lengthy meeting late into Thursday night at the Four Seasons hotel, carefully inspecting all facets of the club.
Time Zones and Tours Complicate the Negotiations
The discussions have been complicated by Fernandes being thousands of miles away in the Far East on Manchester United’s post-season tour, which wrapped up recently with a 3-1 win over Hong Kong China.
This geographical distance and different time zones have slowed down direct communication, adding pressure as the deadline looms.
Fernandes Considers His Family and Future
While United’s head coach Ruben Amorim expressed optimism that Fernandes’ recent game might not be his last for the Saudi club, the 30-year-old midfielder is taking a step back to consult with his family and agent before making any final call.
Al-Hilal is pushing hard for a quick decision so they can register him in time for the upcoming Club World Cup next month.
Al-Hilal’s Lucrative Offer and Ambitions
The Saudi club’s offer is eye-catching — reportedly around £700,000 a week, tax-free, plus bonuses, adding up to approximately £65 million a year.
They are prepared to follow up this player offer with a formal bid to United in the region of £100 million.
Their urgency stems from wanting a marquee signing to boost their squad ahead of the revamped Club World Cup, making Fernandes a prime target.
Manchester United Faces Financial Pressure and Reluctance to Sell
Despite the tempting offer, sources close to Manchester United insist that they do not want to part ways with their star player.
However, financial realities are biting harder following United’s crushing defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, which reportedly cost the club about £100 million in lost Champions League revenue.
Fernandes Openly Acknowledges the Uncertainty of His Future
In a candid interview, Fernandes didn’t hide the uncertainty hanging over his future at Manchester United. “I have always been honest,” he said.
“If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is. Football sometimes is like this.”
He added, “I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.
I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days.
The day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it.
But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”