Bruno Fernandes given deadline by Al-Hilal for £200m Saudi move after Europa League Final loss
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been handed a firm deadline by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal to decide on a jaw-dropping £200 million move following United’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Bruno Fernandes told to decide on £200M Al-Hilal move post-Europa heartbreak. Saudi giants want answer by May’s end. Man Utd face cash dilemma.
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According to a report by the Daily Mail, Al-Hilal are pushing aggressively to land the Portuguese midfielder and have informed him they expect a decision by the end of May. The Saudi club is offering Fernandes a three-year deal that includes a basic salary of £700,000 per week. When signing bonuses and performance-based incentives are included, the total package could skyrocket to £65 million annually — roughly £200 million over three seasons.
To secure the marquee transfer, Al-Hilal are also prepared to pay Manchester United £100 million in transfer fees. Their ambition is to unveil Fernandes as their new star in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in June. Al-Hilal are reportedly planning to present their final offer imminently and will give the 29-year-old just 72 hours to respond.
Bruno Fernandes, who has been a cornerstone of United’s midfield since arriving in 2020, hinted at the potential of an exit when speaking after the Europa League final loss. "If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is," he remarked candidly.
Despite Fernandes’ loyalty and stated comfort at Old Trafford, financial realities may dictate otherwise. Manchester United are grappling with a financial crisis after failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League — a setback estimated to cost the club nearly £100 million in lost revenue. Additionally, United now face a £10 million penalty from Adidas due to their absence from Europe’s top-tier competition, coupled with a sharp decline in Premier League merit payments due to a likely bottom-five finish.
To compound matters, United’s Europa League final defeat has plunged their campaign into further disarray, leaving new manager Ruben Amorim with a squad facing uncertainty and restructuring. Fernandes, now approaching 30, is at a career crossroads and must weigh United’s downward trajectory against the financial security and prestige of leading one of the Middle East’s most ambitious clubs.
Should he opt for the Saudi switch, Fernandes is unlikely to be frozen out of international contention. Cristiano Ronaldo set the precedent after joining Al-Nassr, and Fernandes would remain a likely starter for Portugal under Roberto Martínez.
The deadline looms. Al-Hilal’s record-breaking offer is on the table, and Bruno Fernandes has mere days to make one of the most defining choices of his footballing career — stay loyal to a faltering Manchester United or embark on a lucrative new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
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