Bruno Fernandes’ time at Old Trafford is teetering on a knife-edge as his agent flies to Riyadh for talks with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
Rumours around a move away for the Manchester United captain have been circling for several weeks. Sources around his camp suggest that he is “seriously considering” a lucrative contract tabled by Al-Hilal as they look to bolster their squad before the Club World Cup in June.
The deal includes a £100 million transfer fee for the 31-year-old who is currently a part of the United squad on tour in Asia.
bet365 has this morning slashed odds from as long as 5/2 into 4/5, suggesting that negotiations with his team are progressing.
Bruno Fernandes Next Club Odds
| Bruno Fernandes' Next Club | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Any Saudi Arabia Team | 4/5 | bet365 |
| Manchester United | 4/5 | bet365 |
| Bayern Munich | 16/1 | Ladbrokes |
| Real Madrid | 22/1 | bet365 |
| PSG | 33/1 | Ladbrokes |
Saudi Cash Calling? Bruno Fernandes in Al-Hilal Frame
The betting markets are open to a general move to Saudi Arabia for Fernandes, but it’s Club World Cup-bound Al-Hilal who have made a direct approach.
He’s currently one of Manchester United’s highest-paid players at £300,000 per week, but if reports are true, this figure would double if he were to move.
Even though they have recently been linked with a shock move for Cristiano Ronaldo as he is set to leave Al-Nassr, Fernandes is their top priority, with wages significantly lower than those of his Portuguese teammate.
No Saud-ing Off Just Yet – Bruno Still a Red Devil
Fernandes has been an integral part of a forgettable season for United, scoring 19 goals and winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a record-equalling fourth time.
Manager Ruben Amorim has been probed about the future of his captain, but remains defiant that he’s very much in his future plans.
In a recent press conference before Manchester United’s final friendly with Hong Kong on Friday, he stated, “You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments, Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain.”
However, the reality is that a lack of European competition for 2025/26 means that Amorim will need to sell to add to his squad.
A £100 million price tag for a player entering his twilight years might be essential to allow the manager to add new faces.
Outside noise questioning the lack of discipline from former players, such as Roy Keane, could be shared by Amorim, albeit without airing his views in public.
Banking on Bruno: Who Are the Bookies and Punters Backing?
The frequency of how quickly Bruno Fernandes' transfer odds are changing suggests that the prospect of him leaving United is at an advanced stage.
Significant money has come in to move the needle from 5/2 to 4/5 for a move away.
But for Manchester United, losing their best player and captain would be catastrophic right now. They need to build a team around Bruno, not replace him, regardless of the fee.
The lure of a boost in wages will be significant, but it’s doubtful there will be a draw to switch for the Club World Cup.
He may well, at some point, end up at Saudi, but we’re backing him to stay at Man United for at least another season at odds of 4/5.
