Bruno Fernandes to Saudi: Stefan Borson drops ‘extraordinary’ verdict
Manchester United could face a battle to keep hold of Bruno Fernandes this summer after interest has emerged from Saudi Arabia.
The Portugal international has been the standout performer for Man United this season, having registered 19 goals and 19 assists in 54 appearances.
Fernandes has now emerged as the number-one target for Al-Hilal after they missed out on a deal for Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
The Mail reported on 6 May the 30-year-old, who is under contract until 2027, has been offered a mega-money deal to join the Saudi Pro League club this summer.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider United wouldn’t consider selling Fernandes unless they receive an “extraordinarily large” fee for his services.
Ruben Amorim’s side currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, but they will qualify for the Champions League if they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Man United to make Bruno Fernandes decision after offer submitted
Borson insisted Al-Hilal are unlikely to offer a big transfer fee to sign Fernandes this summer.
He told Football Insider: “I don’t think it’s a case of renegotiating with Fernandes at his age.
“He’s already on a very big salary. We know what they’re doing to their overall salary cost.
“So, I think it’s much more about whether they just decide they’re going to keep him or if they’re going to take the fee, whatever that fee is from Saudi.
“I think it’s very unlikely that the fee will be the sorts of numbers that have been speculated. They very rarely pay very big fees of the type that’s been rumored there. Clearly, they paid it for Neymar, which was a disastrous deal.
“There is some speculation they’re going to pay a very big fee for Kudus from West Ham. We will see about that. They paid a reasonably sized fee for Duran, although that’s a different category of deal given his age and given the striker.
“They have paid very big wages but have tended not to pay very big transfer fees, and we’ll have to see whether that changes this summer.
“But if they weren’t to, then I think that would be the deal dead as far as Fernandes is concerned.
“I don’t think United would contemplate selling him unless they could get an extraordinarily large fee anyway.”
| Appearances | 54 |
| Goals | 19 |
| Assists | 19 |
Man United make Antony U-turn decision
Football Insider revealed on 6 May Antony won’t be given another chance at United despite impressing on loan at Real Betis.
The 25-year-old winger has regained his form since joining the La Liga side in January, having registered eight goals and five assists in 21 appearances.
However, United have decided to move on from the Brazil international and will cash in on him this summer.
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