Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has disclosed that the club was open to his departure during the summer transfer window, following a substantial bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. The club reportedly proposed a transfer fee of £100 million for the 31-year-old midfielder, along with a lucrative contract that could have seen Fernandes earning up to £700,000 per week.
In a recent interview with Canal 11, a channel affiliated with the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernandes expressed that senior figures at United appeared eager to capitalize on the offer. “I could have left in this transfer window; I would have earned much more money,” he remarked, as cited by A Bola. He emphasized his emotional connection to the club and the reasons behind his decision to remain at Old Trafford.
Fernandes indicated that he had contemplated leaving the previous season as well but chose to stay, citing both family considerations and his genuine affection for the club. “From the club, I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurts me a bit. More than hurting me, it makes me sad,” he stated. His commitment to Manchester United is evident, as he asserted, “I’m a player that no one can criticize; I’m always available, I always give my best.”
Despite the financial allure of the Saudi Pro League, Fernandes maintains that his decision was not primarily driven by monetary factors. “Financially I can’t complain, although the difference with Saudi Arabia is massive,” he acknowledged. He further explained that if he were to consider a move to Saudi Arabia in the future, it would not be solely for financial gain but rather for a better lifestyle for his family.
Fernandes also pointed out a potential disconnect between his aspirations and the club’s intentions. “The passion and empathy for the club were the same, but it reaches a point where money is more important to them than you. The club wanted me to leave,” he noted, suggesting that while Ruben Amorim, the manager, wanted him to stay, the club hierarchy was not fully aligned with this perspective.
The discussion comes just two months after Fernandes expressed to ESPN that both Amorim and Manchester United were keen on retaining his services. He revealed that Al Hilal first showed interest in him in 2023, with their summer approach following a disappointing season for United, which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and lose the Europa League final to Tottenham.
As he prepares for his 300th appearance for Manchester United, Fernandes reflected on his decision to reject Al Hilal’s offer, attributing a significant influence to a conversation with his wife, Ana. “The first thing she said was ‘have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?’ Because she knows that I haven’t,” he recounted. His ongoing commitment is underscored by his recent performance, where he contributed a goal and an assist in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, bringing his tally to 103 goals and 93 assists in 307 appearances for the club.
Fernandes remains under contract with Manchester United until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend his deal, reflecting their investment in his future.
