Bruno Fernandes is once again linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, but the Manchester United captain has reiterated his desire to remain at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes has revealed that next summer’s World Cup did not influence his decision to stay at Manchester United. The Red Devils captain was linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia over the summer, but the midfielder insists he is only interested in staying at his current club despite the new rumors.
The Portuguese international remains committed for at least another year at Old Trafford, although there has been speculation that he could be signed by Al Hilal or Al Ittihad. Fernandes, 31, remains an important player for Ruben Amorim, with two seasons left on his contract and an option for a further 12 months.
Fernandes revealed in June that he received a call from Al Hilal president about the contract. The Saudis are said to be willing to pay £300m to sign United and £200m to sign the playmaker.
The former Sporting star has endured a mixed season so far after two penalty misses, but it has been a rare positive in a disastrous 2024-25 campaign at Old Trafford. However, Fernandes still has two goals left this season.
And ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland, the midfielder spoke about speculation surrounding his future. Fernandes had a simple answer about his decision to stay at United.
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“We haven’t closed the door on a move to Saudi Arabia for the World Cup,” he said. “It never crossed my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United and the club wanted me to stay. That’s all that matters.”
Fernandes has refused to discuss a possible departure next summer. Nothing seems imminent at this time.
“That’s an impossible scenario to imagine, because it hasn’t been discussed with me,” he said. “When we talked about it, I spoke up in the press conference before the Nations League game.
“I like to enjoy the moment and the most important thing for me right now is to represent the national team, because it’s a source of great pride to be able to play tomorrow (Saturday). And I still don’t know whether I’ll play or not, let alone whether I’ll leave Manchester United within a year.
“I’m happy where I am. Otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed here. But it doesn’t affect me.”
Fernandes hopes to start Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland on Saturday night. The Nations League champions have enjoyed a perfect record so far in Group F with wins over Armenia and Hungary as they open their campaign to advance to North America next summer.
“Even though I know I want to get to the World Cup as soon as possible, I have to fight game by game,” the 31-year-old told Channel 11 via Oh Jogo. “Our main goal is to win every match and we know that the World Cup dream will always be there, so we are focused on that.
“Ever since I was little, I have dreamed of winning the World Cup. It’s not just my dream, it’s the dream of all Portuguese people. First, I will do everything to qualify for the World Cup, and then I will do everything to make that dream come true.”
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