Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been given the green light by Manchester United to open transfer talks with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
The 29-year-old midfielder is rumoured to be on the brink of a shock move to the Saudi Pro League, with two clubs said to be in the running for his signature this summer. Fernandes' future at Old Trafford has been thrown into doubt following United's dismal Premier League season, which saw them finish in eighth place, missing out on European qualification.
Despite being one of the world's top midfielders, Fernandes looks set to spend another year away from Champions League football and face yet another rebuilding phase at United. Rumours of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia have been gaining momentum as United's revamped recruitment team ramps up their transfer plans.
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As per TEAMTALK, the PIF's interest in Fernandes has grown over recent months, following an initial approach back in November 2023, reports the Express. Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are believed to be the frontrunners in the race for Fernandes, having already presented their plans during a recent meeting between all parties.
United have allegedly given Fernandes the go-ahead to proceed with negotiations over a potential move to Saudi Arabia, with the next meeting set to take place after Euro 2024. Reports suggest that Fernandes has expressed a preference for a move to Al Nassr, where he could potentially reunite with fellow Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo.
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The penalty specialist is said to have been toying with the idea of staying put at Old Trafford as recently as June, but now there's a buzz of cautious optimism about tempting him over to the Middle East. Back in May, just before United's jaw-dropping FA Cup victory against Manchester City, Fernandes was adamant about his desire to stick with the club past the summer season.
Yet, he's made it crystal clear that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS need to step up to the plate and meet his high-flying ambitions while he's still at the top of his game. "I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don't want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream," Fernandes penned in an emotional piece for the Players' Tribune.
"I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals.
"That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve. I just want to keep fighting. I want to be here. My family wants to be here."
According to TEAMTALK, United are keen on holding onto Fernandes, but the PIF isn't messing around by preparing to make an offer that could be too good to turn down.