According to TeamTalk, Saudi Arabia’s initial interest in Manchester United’s stalwart Bruno Fernandes began in November 2023. Since then, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Saudi football authorities have ramped up their efforts to secure the Portuguese midfielder’s signature.
Two prominent Saudi clubs, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, are at the forefront of this pursuit. Both clubs have engaged in extensive discussions with Fernandes, presenting their visions, potential roles for him within their teams, and future plans during detailed meetings.
These discussions have highlighted the ambitious nature of Saudi football’s current trajectory and their desire to bring top-tier talent to their league.
Among the suitors, Al Nassr appears to have a significant edge, primarily due to the possibility of Fernandes reuniting with his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
The prospect of playing alongside Ronaldo once again is a key factor swaying Fernandes toward Al Nassr. Their relationship, despite experiencing ups and downs in the past, is reportedly improving, making the idea of joining forces on the pitch particularly appealing. This connection places Al Nassr in a favorable position to clinch Fernandes’ commitment.
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Despite Fernandes’ interest in the move, negotiations with Manchester United are expected to be challenging. The club is reluctant to part with one of their star players, who has been instrumental in their recent successes.
Nevertheless, the Saudi clubs are preparing a lucrative offer that could potentially sway United’s decision. The Saudis’ determination to secure Fernandes is underscored by their readiness to present a compelling financial package.
Now that Portugal has been eliminated from Euro 2024, both Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are poised to intensify their efforts to finalize an agreement with Fernandes. The coming weeks are likely to see decisive moves from both clubs as they aim to bring the Manchester United star to Saudi Arabia.
This potential transfer is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the football world and their ambition to attract high-profile players to their league. For Fernandes, it represents an opportunity to embark on a new chapter in his career, potentially alongside one of football’s greatest icons, Cristiano Ronaldo.