Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a 2026 transfer plan is already being hatched surrounding Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United supporters were left wondering if Bruno Fernandes might be on his way out of the club this summer after a massive bid arrived from Saudi Arabia.
However, following discussions with Rúben Amorim as well as with his family, the United captain ultimately chose to turn down the lucrative offer and remain at Old Trafford.
Although Fernandes has made a rather underwhelming start to the new campaign, he is still expected to play a hugely significant role for United throughout the season, with his last-gasp winner against Burnley giving a window into this.
That said, fresh reports have surfaced indicating that the Portuguese midfielder could be prepared to seek a new challenge and depart from the Reds when next summer comes around.
Saudi launching 2026 Fernandes transfer plan
With some reports suggesting that Fernandes will take stock of his Old Trafford future next summer, those in the Saudi Pro League are already plotting a return for the 31-year-old in 2026.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian sides will return in the future for Fernandes, despite the midfielder rejecting their approaches during the most recent transfer window.
“From Saudi, they want to return in the future,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel. “For 2026, keep an eye on Saudi because they will return. And then, it’s going to be up to Bruno to say ‘yes, I want to come’ or ‘no, I want to stay in Europe, no, I want to stay in Manchester United’.
“But from Saudi, they want to return for Bruno Fernandes, and they keep the name of Bruno Fernandes in their list for the future targets. Keep a close eye on the situation of Bruno Fernandes because Saudi want to return.”
Amorim must find a role for Fernandes soon
The debate surrounding Fernandes in the last few months has been an interesting one – his role under Amorim this season has looked like a blurred line thus far.
With the club captain’s future seemingly at a crossroads at the end of this season, Amorim must find a permanent role for the 31-year-old before time runs out, or United may look to cash in as they hunt for their next set of star players at Old Trafford.
Read More: Manchester United star ‘highly unlikely’ to play for Ruben Amorim again after ‘surprise’ decision
So far this season, Fernandes has been operating as part of the deeper midfield two, but this has caused multiple problems. For one, it is seemingly blocking the path of Kobbie Mainoo, while many feel Fernandes should be much closer to the goal, rather than dictating play from deep.
When the Saudi sides come back in for Fernandes in 2026, their offer will not be as high as the rumoured £100 million figure they were prepared to pay this time around, but it will not be too far off.
If the head coach cannot find a space for United’s club captain in the coming months, there is certainly a suggestion that the club’s decision makers may choose to accept that funding to improve the squad elsewhere.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.