Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is among 50 players targeted for summer transfers by the Saudi Pro League, according to talkSPORT. The Portuguese midfielder has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford over the past year, with significant changes anticipated after the 2026 World Cup in the Middle East.
Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr all expressed interest last summer before Fernandes decided to stay. For clubs outside the Premier League, the 31-year-old has an appealing £57m release clause. He almost joined Al-Hilal before the season but felt the timing wasn't right; however, his stance may have changed following the departure of manager Ruben Amorim, with his current contract set to expire in less than 18 months.
Fernandes previously discussed the club's stance on a potential exit, telling Canal 11: 'From the club I felt it was, 'If you go it's not so bad for us'. It hurts me a bit. The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that, I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me.' He added that if he said he wanted to leave, the club would let him.
Fernandes has since stated he will not discuss his future until after the World Cup, but Saudi chiefs remain hopeful of a summer transfer as dialogue remains open. United are set to schedule a meeting with Fernandes to discuss his future before the tournament and plan to tell him they would like him to stay. The Portuguese star will be allowed to dictate his own future, and while he prefers to stay in Europe, Saudi clubs are not put off and are hoping to secure a deal this time.
