Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he believed the club was eager to sell him during the summer transfer window following a substantial offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. Reportedly, Al Hilal was prepared to pay £100 million for the 31-year-old midfielder, with a lucrative wage package of up to £700,000 per week.
In an interview with Canal 11, a channel owned by the Portuguese football federation, Fernandes expressed his feelings about the club’s stance. He stated, “I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money.” Despite the attractive financial offer, Fernandes opted to remain at Old Trafford after discussions with manager Ruben Amorim.
His comments, reported by A Bola, indicate a sense of disappointment with how senior figures at United perceived his potential departure. “From the club, I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us’. It hurts me a bit. More than hurting me, it makes me sad,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to the club.
Fernandes, who has consistently made himself available for selection, noted that financial considerations were not his primary motivation. “Financially I can’t complain, although the difference with Saudi Arabia is massive,” he remarked. He added that any future move to Saudi Arabia would be motivated by lifestyle changes rather than solely financial gain.
He elaborated on his commitment to Manchester United, expressing that he has not yet achieved everything he hopes to with the club. “The first thing [my wife] said was ‘have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?’ Because she knows that I haven’t,” he explained, underscoring the importance of personal fulfillment over financial incentives.
Fernandes’ situation at Manchester United has been complex, particularly following a challenging season where the club finished a disappointing 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite these setbacks, Fernandes has continued to perform at a high level, recently contributing to a thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, which marked his 300th appearance for the club.
His current contract runs until June 2027, with the club retaining an option to extend it further. Fernandes’ loyalty to the club and his aspirations for future success remain strong as he navigates the challenges of professional football in a high-stakes environment.
