Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United future is still hanging in the balance
Although he has been arguably Manchester United’s best and most reliable performer in recent seasons, Bruno Fernandes‘ long-term future at Old Trafford has seldom seemed completely assured. The 31-year-old is having a standout campaign, having tallied eight goals and 17 assists in all competitions so far.
But regardless of his productivity and close connection with both the club and its fanbase, ongoing talk of a possible exit has continued. That feeling of doubt grew stronger during Ruben Amorim’s spell in charge, when reports suggested the club were willing to consider a high-value transfer to Saudi Arabia, briefly putting strain on the bond between player and team.
However, with the Portugal international returning to peak form and firmly in contention for PFA Player of the Year, things seem to have settled – at least for now.
Here, Mirror Football looks at the broader situation involving Fernandes, including details of a huge contract offer and a little-known release clause in his Unitec contract.
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£700k-a-week offer
Last year, reports indicated that Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal were ready to lodge a £100m bid for Fernandes, along with an eye-watering £700,000-per-week salary that would have made him one of the top earners in global sport.
As the midfielder nears the latter stages of his career and United aim to manage their finances carefully, the club were willing to approve a transfer. However, that position did not sit comfortably with Fernandes, who was said to be “hurt” by United’s openness to letting him go.
In the end, no formal offer was submitted, meaning United kept their captain but also missed out on what could have been a record-breaking sale for the club.
Release clause
Although Fernandes has stated his desire to remain at United, the club technically cannot prevent him from leaving. This is due to a £56.68 million release clause in his contract, which can only be activated by overseas clubs.
While that figure might discourage some European sides from pursuing a player who turns 32 in September and offers limited resale potential, it would not pose an issue for Saudi teams.
Al-Hilal had been willing to bid £100m as they were keen to secure Fernandes ahead of last year’s Club World Cup, which started in June before the clause became active, and fresh interest from the Middle East is anticipated this summer.
If Fernandes remains at the club, United are expected to begin talks over a new deal, with his current contract set to expire in 2027. They also hold the option to extend it by an additional year.
United keen to keep Bruno
Despite earlier speculation linking him with a departure, the club’s position has now clearly shifted toward keeping Fernandes. While there is a continued effort to lower the wage bill – with Fernandes earning £300,000 per week – United are determined to maintain their captain’s influence on the field.
That stance has reportedly been communicated directly to Fernandes to help remove any lingering uncertainty about his future. He is also thought to feel more settled since Michael Carrick assumed control in January.
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