Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes confessed it is “impossible” to imagine himself leaving for Saudi Arabia next summer, but refused to rule out the prospect of a shock departure from Old Trafford.
Fernandes was offered a blockbuster move to the Middle East during the recent summer transfer window, with Al Hilal chasing a deal worth a combined £200 million ($266.7 million) in terms of a transfer fee and wages. After speaking with United and confirming he was still wanted at Old Trafford, the Portugal international publicly rejected the offer.
United’s poor start to the season has reignited the speculation, however. While talk of a switch to Saudi Arabia in 2026 is rife, recent rumours have even suggested he could make the move as early as January.
During a recent press conference on international duty, Fernandes was asked whether a Saudi switch could be revisited next year. While his commitment to United was clear, the 31-year-old confessed he did not know what the future holds.
“That’s an impossible scenario to imagine, because it’s nothing that’s been discussed with me,” he stressed. “I like to enjoy the moment, and the most important thing for me now is representing the national team.
“It’s a source of enormous pride to be able to play [for Portugal on Saturday], and I still don’t know if I’ll play, let alone if I’ll leave Manchester United in a year.
“It’s not something that worries me. I’m happy where I am, otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed. But it’s something that honestly doesn’t really bother me.”
