Saudi Arabia still aims to sign Bruno Fernandes next summer! Their efforts are more sincere than Liu Bei’s toward Zhuge Liang, and Manchester United is willing to cooperate.

During this summer’s transfer window, the Saudi Professional League made three attempts to recruit Bruno Fernandes, all unsuccessful. However, the oil-rich clubs showed greater determination than Liu Bei seeking Zhuge Liang, and they are expected to try again next year, with the Red Devils happy to facilitate the move then.

Just turned 31, Bruno Fernandes is highly favored by Saudi football, which particularly values the Portuguese market. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Cancelo, and Rúben Neves all play there. In June, Al Hilal initiated the pursuit, offering £100 million to Manchester United for Fernandes and proposing an astronomical three-year contract worth £200 million to the player.

However, although Fernandes engaged in talks, he was not tempted and chose to stay at Manchester United, rejecting the lucrative offer. “I spoke with coach Rúben Amorim, who advised me not to go. My wife told me to follow my heart,” Fernandes explained. “Moving there would be easy since I know many Portuguese players there, but I want to compete at the highest level and fight for major trophies. Manchester United doesn’t want to sell me; they don’t need the money. But if I want to leave, they would agree.”

Subsequently, Al Nassr, where Ronaldo plays, and defending champions Al-Ittihad both contacted Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho, but were told the player will not leave Manchester United this summer. Fernandes believes staying stable and continuing with the Red Devils before next year’s World Cup is the best choice.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that despite being rejected three times by Fernandes, Saudi interest remains strong. It is reported that clubs there will return to try signing him again, aiming to lure him after next summer’s World Cup.

Romano added that Fernandes has shown complete loyalty to Manchester United and will continue to do so this season. However, a move to Saudi Arabia could become a key topic in the 2026 summer transfer window.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes also said earlier this year that selling Fernandes to Saudi Arabia might be the best option. “If someone offers £100 million for him, United can’t say no,” Scholes remarked. “You know, when you talk about the 3-4-3 formation, although Fernandes performs well and carries the team, what position does he play? Do you see him as a number 10? Or a defensive midfielder?”

Like many fans, Scholes believes Fernandes doesn’t fit Amorim’s 3-4-3 system: “He almost disrupts the whole setup because he simply can’t handle that role. Don’t get me wrong, he’s been excellent, but if selling him can bring in £100 million, it should be accepted without hesitation.”

Fernandes is one of Manchester United’s best players since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and possibly the very best. In the 2-1 victory over Chelsea, he scored his 100th goal for the club, becoming the fourth midfielder after Bobby Charlton, Scholes, and Giggs to reach this milestone, and has been named the club’s Player of the Year four times.

There is no doubt about Fernandes’ contribution and spirit at Manchester United. However, if the club continues with Amorim and insists on the 3-4-3 formation, parting ways with Fernandes next year might be the best outcome. At 32, Fernandes could secure a contract ensuring financial freedom, while United would receive a transfer fee and bring in a more suitable midfield replacement.