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The Saudi Pro League are always looking to bring top tier talent to Saudi Arabia as part of their football development project to raise the standard and regard of the national league.
The movement started with ex-United star and Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr in 2023 on a free transfer after leaving Old Trafford, and since then, some massive names have followed suit and joined the Portuguese star in Saudi Arabia.
Players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante and Sadio Mane have all made moves to the Saudi Pro League, with the Saudi Investment Fund using big money to bring incredible talents to the league.
So far this summer we’ve seen reports of Saudi clubs targeting a number of different United players, such as Donny van de Beek, Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho and captain Bruno Fernandes.
Now, reports from Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiah, claim that a real push is being made for Bruno Fernandes.
The reports claim that the Saudi Investment Fund are working on behalf of an undisclosed club to sign the Portuguese star, having held discussions around a potential move.
Whilst it’s known that Erik ten Hag wants to retain his captain, Fernandes’ future at United is uncertain.
Even though United are hoping to keep the 29-year-old, he did not feature in their list of players who they deem as ‘untouchable’ this summer. The list featured Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund, leaving Fernandes as being free to leave for the right offer.
With United desperate to raise funds in the transfer market in order to be competitive this summer, it’s thought that the club will be open to a big money offer, with reports previously of Al-Nassr preparing a €150 million to reunite Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to win their first trophy in two years. The offer at the time would have seen the United captain earn around €70 million to €80 million per year.
If the Saudi Investment Fund were to make similar offers to the ones previously reported, it could be very difficult for United to reject the bid, ultimately seeing Fernandes leave Old Trafford.
