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6th July 2024
10:00am BST
Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been told by Manchester United that he can enter talks with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and explore the possibility of securing a big-money move to the Middle East.
The midfield maestro suffered a blow last night as Portugal crashed out of Euro 2024 following a tense penalty shoot-out with France.
Despite the game going to the bitter end with nothing to separate both teams, Fernandes was taken off by coach Roberto Martinez in the 74th minute when the game was goalless and still all to play for.
Now, TeamTalk report that the Manchester United captain could be very close to swapping Premier League football in order to join his national teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
While speculation of a potential cross-planet move for Fernandes has been in the air since the latter part of 2023, TeamTalk now suggest that both Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are vying for his signature and, presumably, putting lucrative offers on the table.
Fernandes is a fan-favourite at Old Trafford, and led Erik Ten Hag's side to a triumphant FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.
Rumours are swirling on social media this morning that the 29-year-old has agreed terms with Al Nassr, and that conversations with the former Manchester United number 7 while on international duty in Germany have swayed him towards playing week-in, week-out with Ronaldo next season.
Hearing from Saudi sources that Bruno Fernandes has agreed terms with Al Nassr. Transfer fee likely to be acceptable by Manchester United. There's a genuine chance of Bruno playing with Cristiano Ronaldo next season.
— Sean Gillen (@SeanGillen9) July 5, 2024
It's no secret that Erik Ten Hag - who signed a new two-year contract extension with United earlier this week - values Fernandes as a vital piece of his tactical puzzle, having given him the armband over Harry Maguire during his first season in charge.
Bruno Fernandes future at Manchester United is not guaranteed because the potential offer presented to the player and club from the Saudi Investment Fund is too good, but United hope and are planning to keep him at the club and fulfil Ten Hag's wish. (@ariyadhiah) #mufc
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 5, 2024
United, with their new owners, have yet to secure any signatures during this current transfer window, and many fans would view Fernandes as a somewhat irreplaceable player were he to leave before the window closes at the end of August.
Bruno would be the next in a long-list of world-class players to swap European football for the Saudi Pro League.
Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves and Neymar all succumbed to the tempting offer in recent years.
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