Al-Hilal sent shockwaves around Manchester when it was claimed they are prepared to offer United around £100 million for skipper Bruno Fernandes this summer.
Manchester United’s summer overhaul is gathering pace, with Rúben Amorim making quick moves to reshape the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Veterans Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans will depart when their contracts expire next month, while Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been informed he is free to seek a move elsewhere, while Rasmus Højlund has also been linked with a number of Serie A sides.
The likes of Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho are also expected to be part of a major clear-out, as United look to generate over £100 million in player sales to support Amorim’s rebuild.
While almost every player is on the chopping block this summer, one of the previously perceived ‘untouchables’ was skipper Bruno Fernandes, but that’s now been cast in doubt following Al-Hilal’s big interest in the 30-year-old
Fernandes’ successor if he were to leave revealed
If worst comes to worst and the Portuguese midfielder does join the Saudi Pro League, it would give United the financial power to buy a suitable replacement.
According to the Portuguese outlet A Bola, via ManUtdNews, United are considering an approach for Sporting CP star Pedro Goncalves, who has grown from strength to strength over the last couple of seasons.
United see him as a possible replacement for Fernandes if the captain leaves, with Amorim consulted before the club pursue any transfer target.
When Fernandes left Sporting to join United, the then-26-year-old became the side’s main playmaker and is set for a bigger move. With the Portuguese attacking midfielder working with Amorim during his time in charge in Lisbon, it’s easy to see the links between the player and United.
If United were to go ahead with a move for Goncalves, they would have to buy out his release clause of £67 million, a big outlay considering United’s limited funds ahead of a major summer rebuild.
How should Fernandes’ funds be used?
While Amorim has made it clear on a number of occasions that he does not want to lose his captain, the £100 million fee may be impossible to say no to, as expressed by Paul Scholes.
While Goncalves would undoubtedly be a good signing, owing to his wealth of experience playing in the 3-4-2-1 formation, the £100 million could be used to buy three or four cheaper players. With so many players linked with moves away, Amorim needs the depth.
The attacker also missed a number of games last season due to two separate hamstring injuries, so it would be a significant risk to sign him based on his recent injury record, similar to Mason Mount, who has yet to showcase his talent due to several injuries.
If Fernandes were to leave this summer, it’s important that Amorim gets it right with the players that he signs. United don’t have a whole lot to spend going into the summer, especially with Matheus Cunha’s £62.5 million move being virtually completed.
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