Bruno Fernandes Rejects Al Hilal Offer, Commits to Manchester United

← Simone Inzaghi Departs Inter Milan After Heavy Champions League Final Loss

Posted on June 4, 2025 by SoccerPunter

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he will remain at Old Trafford this summer after turning down a lucrative and “very ambitious” offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.

Al Hilal had been pursuing the Portuguese international in hopes of making a major signing ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League semifinal against Germany, Fernandes revealed he had decided to continue competing at the highest level.

“I’ll respond to this now and ask not to be questioned about it again,” Fernandes said. “Yes, there was an opportunity — the president of Al Hilal contacted me about a month ago. I took some time to consider my future. As I’ve always said, I would be open to change if Manchester United agreed. I spoke to coach Rúben Amorim during that time, and he strongly advised me not to go.”

Fernandes went on to explain that Manchester United were unwilling to sell him unless he personally wanted to leave. “It wasn’t about money,” he added. “It was a very ambitious proposal, but the club made it clear they wanted me to stay.”

Reports have suggested Al Hilal were prepared to offer a transfer fee in the region of £100 million ($135 million), along with a salary package that would have significantly increased Fernandes’ current wages.

Despite the tempting offer, the 30-year-old midfielder — who is under contract with United until 2027 — decided to stay. “The president of Al Hilal was a great person, and we didn’t talk about money at first,” Fernandes said. “Of course, my agent did later. I also spoke with my wife and family. She asked me what I wanted from my career. She’s always been supportive, and in the end, the decision was easy — even from a family perspective.”

Bruno Fernandes acknowledged his close relationship with Al Hilal’s Portuguese defender João Cancelo, saying, “My kids know João from the national team, we’re very close. But I want to stay at the highest level, competing in top competitions, and I still feel I’m capable of doing that.”