Bruno Fernandes has moved a step closer to a Manchester United exit with Saudi talks stretching late into the night. The Portuguese midfielder has been linked with a move to the Middle East after United’s disappointing season.
United will not play in Europe next season after finishing the season 15th in the Premier League, while they also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.
The Red Devils during the season set various unwanted records and Saudi clubs are eager to sign Fernandes who was the club’s best player. Al-Hilal are among the Saudi sides interested in a deal for the Portuguese midfielder, who they see as a marquee signing ahead of next season.
Latest development have now given the Saudi club an opportunity to bring in Fernandes.
According to Mail Online, Fernandes’ representative Miguel Pinho held lengthy talks with Al-Hilal to understand the project on offer.
He met with club officials at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, with ‘positive’ talks stretching late into the night. Saudi sources have reportedly told Fernandes that the offer is a one-time opportunity.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United (Photo by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
They have offered to raise his wages to an eye-watering £700k per week, while he could earn around £200m over the duration of a three-year deal. And they would also be willing to pay United £100m to prise away their captain.
It is suggested that Al-Hilal officials have given Fernandes a 72-hour deadline to mull over the offer having expressed their desire to formalise a deal before this summer’s Club World Cup.
Fernandes after United’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final gave an hint about his future.
Speaking after the Europa League defeat, Fernandes said: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is. Football sometimes is like this. I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.
“I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days. The day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”
