Bruno Fernandes Reveals Pain Over Manchester United’s Stance During Saudi Transfer Bid
Bruno Fernandes has opened up about the emotional impact of Manchester United’s attitude towards his potential transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this past summer, admitting that it “hurt” to realise the club “wanted me to leave.” The Portuguese international, a key figure at Old Trafford, faced a lucrative move that could have reshaped his career and finances—but chose loyalty and sporting ambition over a staggering pay deal and immediate trophies.
Bruno Fernandes: The Man United Midfielder’s Difficult Summer
Fernandes’ decision to stay at Manchester United, despite an eye-watering offer from Al-Hilal, shows the complexity behind football transfers. Reportedly, the Saudi Pro League side was willing to pay approximately £100 million to secure his transfer, along with wages rumored to be up to £700,000 per week, making it one of the richest football contracts in history. Despite this, Fernandes turned down the opportunity, citing his love for the club and desire to continue playing at the highest level.
In a candid interview with Canal 11, a channel owned by the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernandes described how painful it was to feel that Manchester United were somewhat indifferent to his departure. “From the club I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us’. It hurts me a bit,” he said. These words reflect the emotional toll such an impersonal approach can take on a player who has given so much to the club.
The Context: Fernandes’ Commitment and Performance at Manchester United
Since joining Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for £47 million, Fernandes has been nothing short of a talisman for the Red Devils. He has made over 300 appearances, scored 103 goals, and provided 93 assists, establishing himself as a creative and goal-scoring force in midfield. This season alone, he has contributed five goals and seven assists in the Premier League, highlighted by a stunning free-kick and a crucial assist during United’s thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.
Despite knowing the club’s stance, Fernandes emphasized he could not be criticised for his professionalism or dedication: “I’m a player that no-one can criticise, I’m always available, I always give my best.” This highlights just how much the player values his role and is mindful of how he is perceived by fans and the club alike.
Why Did Bruno Fernandes Reject Al-Hilal’s Offer?
Fernandes’ refusal was grounded not only in professional reasons but also personal ones. The midfielder pointed out that there were family considerations behind his choice to stay at Old Trafford. Furthermore, winning trophies and competing at the highest level were top priorities in his decision-making. In June, Fernandes explained that it was the desire to “play at the highest level” that made the difference, which meant continuing with Manchester United rather than moving to the less competitive Saudi Pro League, despite Al-Hilal’s manager Ruben Amorim urging him to stay in England.
Interestingly, Fernandes also revealed a complicated dynamic between the club’s management and the manager: “The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that, I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me. But if I said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, the club would let me.” This division speaks volumes about the internal struggles at Manchester United and the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future direction.
What This Means for Fernandes’ Future at Manchester United
Fernandes’ contract with Manchester United runs until 2027, with an option for an additional year. Despite this turbulent episode, sources close to the club have stated that Manchester United have no intention of selling him and see him as a central figure in their long-term strategy. Ahead of his 300th appearance in October, Fernandes himself confirmed he would not discuss his future until after the 2024 World Cup, underscoring his professionalism and focus.
This episode sheds light on the complexities behind big-money moves and the mixed messages players sometimes experience from their clubs. Fernandes’ willingness to stay reveals a level of loyalty and ambition often overlooked in modern football’s transfer market frenzy.
Conclusion: Loyalty, Ambition, and the Reality of Modern Football
Bruno Fernandes’ revelation about feeling “hurt” when Manchester United appeared ready to let him go to Saudi Arabia adds a deeply human perspective to an otherwise commercial world of football transfers. It highlights how players navigate tough decisions balancing financial rewards, personal loyalties, and career ambitions.
Fernandes’ story reminds football fans that behind every transfer saga are real emotions, career calculations, and sometimes, painful truths about the relationships between players and their clubs. For Manchester United supporters, it may serve as a moment to appreciate one of their most dedicated players, who chose love for the club over a record-breaking payday elsewhere.
As Fernandes continues to perform at a high level for Manchester United, this episode might just be a chapter that strengthens his connection with the club and fans alike—one written with honesty, commitment, and a desire to keep making history at Old Trafford.## Fernandes ‘Hurt’ by Manchester United’s Wish for Him to Leave for Saudi Arabia
Bruno Fernandes expressed how it truly hurt to realize that Manchester United “wanted me to leave” amid the summer transfer interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. The Portugal international, aged 31, rejected a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League despite the enormous financial incentives on the table. This revelation sheds new light on the complex relationship between the player and the club during one of the most pivotal transfer windows in recent memory.
The Saudi Arabian Offer That Shook Fernandes
In the summer, Al-Hilal reportedly proposed an eye-watering offer amounting to a £100 million transfer fee plus wages reaching up to £700,000 per week for Fernandes. Such figures are almost unprecedented in modern football outside the super-rich European leagues. The sheer magnitude of the offer was enough to tempt many players, particularly those in the peak years of their careers.
