Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sparked significant conversation regarding his future at Old Trafford following a remarkably candid two-part interview with the Portuguese station Canal 11.
The 31-year-old midfielder revealed that during the summer of 2025, the club hierarchy was surprisingly open to his departure amid a massive £100 million interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal.
“It Hurts Me”: The Saudi Transfer Saga
Fernandes admitted that while he chose to remain in Manchester, the club’s stance during the negotiations left an emotional mark.
- The Offer: Al-Hilal reportedly offered United £100m and Fernandes a staggering wage package of up to £700,000 per week.
- The Club’s Stance: “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, it makes me sad,” Fernandes admitted.
- The Decision to Stay: He credited manager Ruben Amorim for “putting his foot down” and insisting on his retention. Fernandes noted that while the directors “didn’t have the courage” to force a sale against the manager’s wishes, he stayed out of genuine love for the club and family stability.
Long-Term Ambitions: Spain and a Return to Italy
While his current contract runs until 2027 (with a one-year option), Fernandes was open about where he sees himself playing once his Manchester United chapter eventually concludes.
“The moment I feel that I’m not 100% wanted, then I will talk to the club and say that I want to leave.”
- Spain: Fernandes expressed a desire to experience La Liga, a top-tier league he has never played in.
- Italy: Having previously played for Novara, Udinese, and Sampdoria, he admitted a return to Serie A is high on his list. “I would like to play for one of the clubs in Italy that competes for big aims like the league title.”
The Personal Connection to Italy
His affinity for Italy goes beyond football, rooted in deep family ties:
- Family Heritage: His daughter was born in Italy and has expressed a desire to learn the language.
- Lifestyle: After six years of the “cold and rain” in Manchester, Fernandes noted that his family would enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, though he also acknowledged that a move to Saudi Arabia in the future could provide his children with a “sunny” life in a growing league.