Fabrizio Romano drops update that will concern Man United fans

Saudi Pro-League (SPL) side Al-Hilal desperately attempted to prise midfielder Bruno Fernandes away from Manchester United in the summer, making him a priority target ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

They were ready to pay Man United £100m for the midfield maestro, which would have seen him overtake Cristiano Ronaldo as the most expensive sale in the club’s history.

Al-Hilal were also ready to offer him a mouthwatering salary, which was reported to be around £700,000 per week. However, he turned down the advances of the Saudi Pro-League club.

Al-Ittihad were also credited with an interest in Fernandes but made no concrete effort to sign him.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano now reports via his YouTube channel that the SPL still want to sign the Portugal international and discredited reports that linked him with Al Ittihad.

He said: “What I can tell you is that Saudi clubs still have plans to return for Bruno Fernandes in the future. For this summer, however, it’s over — even though the Saudi market remains open.

“The story effectively ended back in May, when Fernandes turned down Al Hilal. Afterwards, there were links with Al Ittihad, but that was never a concrete possibility.

“Looking ahead to 2026, keep an eye on Saudi because they are expected to come back. Fernandes remains on their list of long-term targets, but for now, and in the near future, his full focus is on Manchester United — which is why he rejected Al Hilal.”

The Daily Mail had earlier claimed that Fernandes would be open to leaving Old Trafford next summer, but whether the Saudi Pro-League is his next destination remains to be seen.

The Portuguese has had a good start to the season, playing alongside Casemiro in manager Ruben Amorim’s two-man central midfield.

According to Squawka, Fernandes has won possession 24 times in the league this term, more than any other player.

The 31-year-old also tops the chart for most chances created, per premierleague.com.

Man United will be hoping the dynamic midfielder to continue his good form after the international break, starting from Sunday’s showdown at Manchester City.

Article written by Henry Thornton .