Al Nassl Manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that the Saudi club took an approach to signing Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandez during the window this summer
Jorge Jesus admitted that he failed in trying to sign Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandez. The Portuguese midfielder was at the heart of Saudi Champions al-Hilal’s approach after suggesting he could leave Old Trafford at the end of last season.
Fernandez was given a ridiculous offer that he had banked more than £60 million a year, and the Red Devils provided £105 million for his services.
However, despite revealing that he had thought of making fellow moves and former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, he chose to stay with United. And it’s now revealed that Ronaldo’s current employer, Al Nassle, also took a tentative approach to trying to sign the 30-year-old.
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus confessed that he had spoken with Fernandez, but was told he wanted to stay with Reuben Amorim. “I wanted (I signed him), but Bruno is determined to stay,” Jesus told SportsInforma.
“We’ve already spoken last year, and this year I knew he had decided to continue with Amorim.
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“I’m in a league that says he’s the best in the world, but I don’t agree. For me, it’s a Spanish league.”
Instead, Fernandez is set to become a unified center of attack spending, celebrating £200 million. Benjamin Sesco is set to become Amorim’s third recruit in the summer, taking part in a deal worth £74 million from RB Leipzig.
The Slovenians join Mateus Cuña and Brian Mbemo, who signed after a big money deal from Wolves and Brentford, respectively. And after scoring just 44 league goals in the disastrous domestic campaign last season, United had to complete.
Sesco’s arrival comes after Fernandez revealed that further improvements were needed. Speaking on their US tour, he said:
“I don’t know about it. I’m not involved in it, but it was obvious that there was more competition for the players who were here.
“We needed more quality to everyone step up a little bit more and do more to get into the starting lineup, and I think that’s what the clubs and managers are trying to do.
Fernandez suggested United’s rebellious attitude was ultimately determined in the saga of his own transfer. He said: “That was possible, President Al Hillal called me a month ago and asked me about it. There was a wait to think about the future.
“As I always said, if Manchester United thought it was, I would be happy to do it. I spoke to coach Reuben Amorim. He shouldn’t go to me. The club said they didn’t want to sell me only if I wanted to leave.”
Before the Premier League season begins against Arsenal on August 17th, Fiorentina will face Feiorentina at Old Trafford in their final preseason game on Saturday.
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