Bruno Fernandes has reportedly rejected a highly lucrative transfer offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, reaffirming his commitment to Manchester United and his ambition to continue competing at the highest level of European football. The 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder was the subject of serious interest from the Saudi Pro League club, who were prepared to pay Manchester United a staggering £100 million transfer fee. In addition, the offer would have seen Fernandes earn a substantial salary—reportedly tripling his current wages—amounting to around £200 million over three years, or approximately £600,000 per week.
Despite the financial appeal of the deal, Fernandes has opted to stay at Old Trafford. Sources close to the player suggest that while positive discussions took place over the weekend, his final decision was influenced by his desire to continue playing top-level football and challenging for major honours. Fernandes remains determined to lead Manchester United through what is expected to be a significant period of transition and growth under the new management of Ruben Amorim.
His decision to stay is seen as a major boost for United as they attempt to rebuild following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign. While the team struggled collectively, Fernandes stood out with a remarkable individual performance. Over the course of the season, he contributed 19 goals and 19 assists across 60 appearances, underlining his continued importance to the squad.
The potential move had sparked debate among pundits and fans alike. Club legend Paul Scholes publicly suggested that United should consider accepting the offer from Al-Hilal, viewing the £100 million fee for a player in his thirties as a sound financial opportunity. Scholes argued that, given Fernandes’ age and the club’s recent struggles, the windfall could be reinvested into rebuilding the squad.
However, Fernandes’ personal stance was clear. Conversations with manager Ruben Amorim—as well as his family—played a crucial role in shaping his choice to remain in Manchester. Fernandes emphasized that his heart remains with the club and that he is not ready to leave the European stage behind. He still sees himself as a key figure in United’s quest for silverware and wants to help restore the team to its former glory.
Ultimately, Fernandes’ loyalty and ambition have reinforced his position not only as captain but also as a central figure in Manchester United’s future plans. His refusal to chase financial gain over sporting ambition has earned praise from supporters and is being viewed as a defining statement of leadership during a pivotal moment for the club.
