Report: Al-Hilal edge closer to stunning Bruno Fernandes capture from Man Utd

The Portuguese midfielder, widely regarded as one of the Premier League's standout stars, could be on the verge of a sensational move to the Middle East as the clubs prepare for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite a challenging 2024/25 season that saw Manchester United finish a disappointing 15th in the Premier League and fall short in the Europa League final, Fernandes stood out as a beacon of consistency.

The 30-year-old playmaker delivered match-winning performances time and again, earning praise for his leadership and creativity. However, the Red Devils now face a critical juncture, with financial constraints limiting their transfer budget and the need to sell high-profile players to fund a squad overhaul under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Al-Hilal have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Fernandes, with reports indicating they are prepared to offer Manchester United a staggering sum between 80 and 100 million pounds to secure his services. The Saudi outfit are eager to finalize their squad ahead of the Club World Cup, set to kick off in the United States in June 2025, where they will face formidable opponents like Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, and Pachuca.

Journalist Ben Jacobs provided a significant update, stating on X: "Al-Hilal now believe an agreement with Bruno Fernandes is close after a week of positive meetings. Fernandes is currently deliberating with his family. A key factor in whether Fernandes agrees will be if the move is also right for his family. It will be more than just a football decision. Hilal want a final answer by Friday."

He added, "No formal approach or bid yet to Manchester United, but Hilal's belief is a sale will be sanctioned if Fernandes asks to leave. #MUFC still insist they don't want to sell their captain."

The financial incentive for Fernandes is immense, with Al-Hilal reportedly offering wages that would place him among the highest-paid players in world football, rivaling the earnings of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Reporter Graeme Bailey highlighted the scale of the pursuit, noting, "Al-Hilal are going for this. Inzaghi, Ronaldo, and now the Premier League's finest. I am told that Ronaldo has told Al-Hilal to get Bruno. There is a real belief within the corridors of power in Saudi football that they can get Bruno. They are offering him wages only Ronaldo and Benzema have surpassed, they really are pushing the boat out."

Bailey also acknowledged the dilemma facing Manchester United, stating, "United have told Bruno he isn't going, but 100 million pounds would be a lot to turn down for a player of his age, no matter how important."

For Fernandes, the decision is not purely about football. The midfielder has remained tight-lipped about his future but has hinted at being open to a new challenge. His deliberations involve not just his career but also the well-being of his family, a factor that could prove decisive. Al-Hilal have set a deadline of Friday for Fernandes to make his choice, intensifying the pressure as the clock ticks down.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are grappling with a delicate balance. Losing their captain would be a significant blow to Amorim's plans to reshape the squad in his preferred 3-4-3 system, but the potential windfall could provide the funds needed to address multiple areas of concern.

The Red Devils have publicly insisted they do not wish to part ways with Fernandes, yet sources suggest they might reluctantly agree to a sale if the player himself pushes for the move.

As of June 2, no official updates have emerged from Manchester United, Fernandes, or Amorim via their X accounts or official channels. However, the football world waits with bated breath to see if Al-Hilal can pull off one of the most audacious transfers of the summer, luring a Premier League icon to Saudi Arabia for a new chapter in his illustrious career.