Al-Hilal have abandoned plans to pursue Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes during the January transfer window, giving the Premier League club temporary relief over the midfielder’s future.
The Saudi Pro League side had previously shown strong interest and were reportedly willing to pay United around £100 million, while offering Fernandes almost three times his existing wages. He rejected the move because he wanted to continue competing at the highest level.
Al-Hilal step back from Bruno Fernandes move
TalkSPORT reports that Al-Hilal will not revive their interest in January because they do not intend to make room for another overseas player.
The decision removes one of the clubs most capable of financing a major deal for Fernandes. However, it does not resolve the wider uncertainty surrounding his position at Old Trafford.
Fernandes’ current contract runs until June 2027, and United hold an option to extend it by a further year. Talks over a longer agreement have stalled, with the midfielder seeking an extended commitment while the club remain reluctant to make such a significant investment in a player in his thirties.
United could trigger the additional year if an agreement cannot be reached. That would protect Fernandes’ transfer value and prevent potential suitors from attempting to secure his services at a reduced price as his guaranteed contract approaches its conclusion.
The captain has nevertheless received public backing from Michael Carrick. Reuters reported that Carrick regards Fernandes as fully committed and confirmed that he will remain captain, despite a recent disagreement between the pair over tactics.
Al-Hilal’s withdrawal therefore gives United more time, but the club still need to decide how they intend to handle the midfielder’s future. Fernandes remains their most influential creative player and captain, leaving United to weigh a new long-term agreement against the possibility of moving on in 2027.
