Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, choosing instead to stay at Manchester United. The 30-year-old midfielder explained that his desire to “play at the highest level” was the key factor in his decision.
Speaking to the media ahead of Portugal’s Nations League semifinal against Germany in Munich, Fernandes revealed that Al-Hilal had made an “exciting offer” for his services. Reports suggest the Saudi club was willing to pay up to 100 million British pounds ($135m) for the Portugal international.
“The president of Al-Hilal called me and asked if I wanted to move there,” Fernandes said. “They waited for me to think about my future.”
Fernandes added that he discussed the offer with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who asked him to stay. “Man United said they didn’t want to sell me. They said if I wanted to go, I could, but they didn’t need the money,” Fernandes explained.
Although several Portuguese players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Neves, have already made the move to Saudi Arabia, Fernandes emphasized his commitment to playing in top-tier competitions. “I want to play at the highest possible level. I know I still can, and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most,” he said.
Fernandes’ decision comes at a time when Manchester United is undergoing a period of rebuilding under manager Ruben Amorim, following a disappointing season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and lose the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Despite the club’s struggles, Fernandes was one of the few players to stand out, contributing 19 goals and 19 assists across all competitions. His leadership as United captain was praised by former club captain Gary Neville.
Neville, now a Sky Sports pundit, called Fernandes’ decision to reject the Saudi offer “significant.” “To turn that money down at a point where Manchester United are at their lowest ebb and say, ‘No, I want to fight through this’ – it says a lot about him as a person and his character,” Neville said. “The club needs people who are going to run through a brick wall for them.”
As Manchester United looks to strengthen its squad, Fernandes’ commitment to the club is seen as vital. United have already signed Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are reportedly eyeing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Meanwhile, several players, including Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho, could be on their way out.
Fernandes has made 290 appearances for United since his £47 million ($63 million) move from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, scoring 98 goals in that time.
Related topics:
- England Star Fran Kirby Calls Time on International Career Ahead of Euro 2024
- England’s UEFA Women’s Nations League Dreams End in Defeat to Spain
- Women’s Football to Outshine Men’s in Olympic Representation, Reflecting Growing Global Popularity
