Saudi Arabian clubs look set to switch their transfer targets to a “ridiculous” Manchester United star after Al-Hilal missed out on Bruno Fernandes
Despite being offered a mega deal from Al-Hilal, Bruno Fernandes now looks set to stay at Manchester United next season and continue to play a massive part in Rúben Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford.
Fernandes staying at the club could help United return to the top quicker than expected. If the captain left the club, the Red Devils would likely have received a huge transfer fee, but replacing the Portuguese midfielder’s goal output is near impossible.
United’s No.8 will be able to help develop youngsters coming through the academy into the first team, as he did with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo just a few seasons ago.
Matheus Cunha will also benefit from Fernandes staying at Old Trafford, the two Portuguese speakers could play a similar role next season and striking up a partnership will be crucial.
However, with Fernandes remaining at United, Jason Wilcox and the rest of the recruitment team may look to sell other high-value assets to raise funds for this summer’s transfer budget.
Garnacho could leave for Saudi Arabia
Garnacho looks set for a move away from United this summer after a very public fallout with Amorim in the aftermath of the Europa League final, despite Rio Ferdinand recently claiming he feels Garnacho has been playing “ridiculously well” for a young United winger.
The Argentinian called out the manager for dropping him against Tottenham Hotspur, despite impressing in previous rounds.
Al-Nassr, the club of Cristiano Ronaldo, appear to be interested in Garnacho if they fail to sign Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, reports transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.
Speaking on the United Stand YouTube channel, Jacobs said: “Keep an eye on Al-Nassr in particular. As I exclusively revealed a few weeks ago, Al-Nassr’s first choice is Luis Diaz, but it’s not a guarantee that he will exit, because Liverpool are kind of 50-50, and it will depend on the offer and the player.”
“If Diaz doesn’t go, Garnacho is also on Al-Nassr’s list, and another club that really like him are NEOM SC, but I’m not so sure that Garnacho would accept NEOM’s proposal, because the finances will be less.”
A move to Saudi Arabia could entice Garnacho if he has the chance to play with Ronaldo again, the winger notably enjoyed his time on the pitch with the legendary No.7. However, Ronaldo’s future is yet to be confirmed.
Fernandes to play deeper next season
Last season, Fernandes often shifted between playing as one of the two attacking midfielders and as one of the deeper pivot players, usually alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte.
However, with the incoming transfer of Cunha and the potential signing of Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim will have over four attacking midfield options, with just the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup to play for.
With Amad, Mainoo and Mason Mount also options behind the striker, Fernandes will be forced into a deeper role so other key players get regular game time.
This could see young midfield options, like Toby Collyer and Sekou Kone, leave the club on loan so they too can get regular minutes away from Old Trafford.
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