Loyal to United: Fernandes defies Saudi whispers and stays on course in Europe
9 October 2025
Fernandes stays loyal amid Saudi whispers
The Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United captain, has shown no interest in moving to the Saudi Pro League as the season concludes, according to British press.
He previously rejected sizable offers from Al Hilal and Al Ittihad during the recent transfer window to remain at Old Trafford.
Sources close to Fernandes, cited by BBC, flatly deny the latest claims that he could leave this summer for a Saudi club. The Portuguese player’s contract with United runs through 2027 with an extension option for another year, and his focus is clearly on European football.
For now, Fernandes is fully committed to Manchester United and the club’s long term project under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, viewed as a lengthy development plan.
According to sources, Fernandes is determined to give his all to help United build a brighter future and there is a belief a top five finish could secure Champions League football next season.
Fernandes role and impact at United
This season he has operated in a deeper midfield position. Manager Robin Amorim believes Fernandes could be more effective with frequent ball involvement, though some argue this shift takes him away from goal threat.
That rearrangement may temper his direct attacking output, but United rely on players like him to contribute as much as possible within Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system.
With Fernandes seemingly content in his current surroundings, United — sitting tenth with ten points from seven games — will return after the international break to face rivals Liverpool at Anfield on October 19.
Amorim has publicly praised Fernandes, saying the player deserves to be remembered in the club’s history for his contributions as well as his individual honours.
Future prospects and contract status
Despite turning 31, Fernandes continues to perform at a high level for the Red Devils, who have endured turbulent spells in recent seasons. Losing a captain of his calibre would be a blow for a squad still rebuilding under the Ratcliffe project.
With 100 goals in 298 appearances for United, Fernandes remains a production hub, and there is no hint that he plans to follow a Ronaldo style exit to Saudi Arabia.
Transfer chatter persists, with English outlets noting United would demand more than £60m for Fernandes if a move were discussed, while Saudi clubs’ vast resources keep the conversation alive. Fernandes joined United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for €80m on a five-and-a-half-year deal.
He has won the FA Cup (2023-24) and the EFL Cup (2022-23), and finished runners-up in the Europa League finals in 2020-21 and 2024-25. He has earned multiple individual awards, including Premier League Player of the Month five times, Goal of the Month three times, and United Player of the Year last season. This season, he has appeared eight times across all competitions with two goals and no assists so far, and United were eliminated early from the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town on penalties.
Manchester United currently sit tenth in the Premier League with ten points from seven matches and will face Liverpool at Anfield after the international break.
Punchline 1: Fernandes is so loyal that even a Saudi bid needs a visa to cross the Atlantic sweep. His passport is a club passport now.
Punchline 2: If patience were a footballer, Fernandes would be its captain, guiding us through this transfer soap opera with a spirit that even the coffee in the press room envies.
