Manchester United have informed Saudi Arabian sides of the minimum transfer fee they would consider accepting for Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United may have to prepare for life without Bruno Fernandes in the coming years, as interest in the captain is only growing. A move will only become more likely if United continue to struggle under Rúben Amorim.
While Kobbie Mainoo would be able to replace Fernandes in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, losing Fernandes would be a huge loss for Amorim, especially if he continues to rely on the former Sporting CP midfielder until his eventual departure.
Fernandes is currently being forced to play out of position, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo usually taking up the attacking midfield roles, although Mason Mount started against Sunderland.
His change of position doesn’t appear to have affected his decision-making for his United future, but he may feel that a change of role could help him return to his brilliant best from his time under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
A recent report confirmed that there are no ongoing negotiations for Fernandes, but a move can’t be ruled out if United continue their poor run of form, as some clubs have held an interest for over three years.
United set minimum fee for Fernandes sale
Fernandes was subject to serious interest from Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer window. Three clubs – including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr – approached the United captain, but he chose to stay at Old Trafford for the 2025/26 season.
Reports suggested that Fernandes could have received a substantial pay rise, but this may still materialise in the future. His United contract expires in 2027, and Saudi clubs have maintained their interest and could return in the summer.
TalkSPORT have reported that Saudi sides know United will want in excess of £60 million next summer if Fernandes is to leave the club. A January transfer would likely cost even more, with 18 months left on his contract and United traditionally prefer to sell in the summer.
Fernandes will be a “leading target” for Saudi Arabian clubs in 2026, and they could get an early taste of the midfielder if United go ahead with their latest revenue-earning plans. United are unlikely to sell mid-season, especially if Joshua Zirkzee or Mainoo leave in January.
Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr seem to be the favourites to sign Fernandes next summer, as Al-Hilal appear to have cooled their interest. Ronaldo could play a key role in Fernandes’ future if he wants to once again play alongside the Portuguese midfielder.
Fernandes will be sorely missed at Old Trafford
While Fernandes is known for his brilliant creativity and exceptional penalty record, despite his struggles this season, he will be most missed for his leadership qualities, even though he has often come under criticism for his leadership style.
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Amorim’s six-man leadership team, which doesn’t include Casemiro or Matthijs de Ligt, is led by Fernandes, with no clear vice captain in place if he is unavailable. Harry Maguire is one of the six, but could doesn’t start enough to return to the captain’s role.
Tom Heaton is another who won’t be considered for the armband. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are also unlikely to pick up the captain’s position, with no natural role in the side with Amad ahead of them.
This leaves Lisandro Martínez as the only potential leader, but his injuries could force Amorim into an alternative option. Either way, United need more leaders in their first-team squad, or they could crumble when the pressure mounts after Fernandes leaves.
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