Bruno Fernandes exit ‘down to money’ as new Saudi push explained – ‘it’s happening’
Bruno Fernandes is the subject of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs once again despite rejecting a move to Al-Hilal earlier in the summer.
Despite Man United finishing 15th and finishing as the fifth-lowest scorers in the Premier League, the Portuguese midfielder once again proved himself to be one of the world’s best.
Fernandes scored 19 and assisted 18 goals in all competitions, taking his goal-scoring tally to 98 goals in 290 games since arriving at Old Trafford.
However, given the quality of his performances, there has been significant interest in the Portugal international.
Al-Hilal made an offer to Fernandes earlier this summer, which the 30-year-old subsequently rejected.
But interest from the Middle East has been revived just after the United man made disparaging comments towards his teammates after a 2-2 draw against Everton, calling his cohorts out for their “lazy” performance. [The Times]
Revived Saudi interest may be a consequence of ‘agent network’
This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.
Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider on 8 August that Saudi Arabian clubs were pushing to sign Fernandes, with Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal both showing interest.
The midfielder’s agent, Miguel Pinho, was the catalyst for Al-Hilal’s approach earlier in the summer and held talks with the club whilst in the Middle East [talkSPORT].
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Plumley revealed it was “plausible” that Fernandes’ agent was the reason for the revived interest.
He said: “These things are always plausible in football transfers, aren’t they?
“We’ve seen this with Spurs and [Morgan] Gibbs-White as an example. In the summer, those things will always happen.
“It’s no surprise to see Saudi’s being aggressive where they need to, because they have been, and most of the time, that does come through the agent network.
“More often than not, the clubs try and be as guarded as possible, so it might be that something’s been happening in that regard.
“I think the Fernandes one is interesting in general terms, because he has been one of their standout players in recent times when they haven’t been where they want to be on the pitch.
“Do they want to sell him? I don’t necessarily think we’ve seen a strong intent for United to want to sell Fernandes.
“If the player thinks the offer is too good to turn down and wants monetary value, ultimately, it is going to be Saudi.
“I think this is going to be one where it will come down to money with Fernandes, because I’m not overly convinced that United are looking to sell him actively at this stage.”
Brighton response to Man United’s Carlos Baleba interest
Should Fernandes depart Old Trafford, Amorim’s side may be spurred on in their pursuit of Brighton’s star midfielder.
Man United enquired about Carlos Baleba’s availability this summer, but the South Coast side have made clear their intentions to keep the 21-year-old.
But if the Red Devils pocket a hefty fee for Fernandes, they may be able to change Brighton’s mind with a massive offer.
Alternatively, Man United could make a move for Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP, whom Amorim is a big fan of from his time in Portugal.