Sources: Bruno Fernandes makes decision on late-January Saudi transfer
Man United star man Bruno Fernandes has no plans to move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career as he aims to continue playing at the highest level possible in Europe.
Fernandes has been United‘s best and most consistent player since his January 2020 arrival from Sporting CP for a fee of around £47million.
The Portuguese playmaker has picked up a whole host of individual awards for his standout Red Devils performances over the last six years, but has only won two major trophies at club level in that time.
He has continued to shine this season, despite United’s woes, with five goals and 10 assists in 20 Premier League appearances so far.
Fernandes has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as he nears the final year of his contract, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, he has no plans to move to the Middle East just yet.
Fernandes will not move to a Saudi club this summer
Sources have told Football Insider that United could look to cash in on Fernandes after the end of this campaign, with his initial deal set to run until 2027.
The 31-year-old’s contract does hold a one-year extension option, though, and even if he does leave Old Trafford, he is expected to join a top European club rather than move to the Saudi Pro League.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think he can definitely stay beyond this summer. He’s under contract until 2027, and there’s an option in that deal, as well, to extend it.
“If he was to become available, there’s no doubt that there would be clubs interested in him.
“We know that obviously there has been interest from the Saudi Pro League before, but I’m not sure that Fernandes is ready to move there at this stage of his career. He still wants to play at the highest level.“
Casemiro could leave United for the Saudi Pro League in the summer
While Fernandes is not set for a Saudi move yet, at 31-years-old, his 33-year-old United teammate Casemiro could well end up moving there as he prepares to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
Casemiro recently confirmed that he will leave United at the conclusion of the season, bringing his four-year spell at the club to an end.
Football Insider have revealed that Casemiro is eyeing a move to the Saudi Pro League, and a deal to take him there is expected to be agreed before the end of the campaign.
The Brazil midfielder will want to go out on a high this season, with Champions League qualification the aim following Michael Carrick’s strong start as interim boss.