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Manchester United’s summer could take a dramatic late twist after Bruno Fernandes held private discussions with Saudi giants Al-Ittihad – demanding an eye-watering £33million annual salary to leave Old Trafford.
The bombshell meeting comes just weeks after the United captain rejected an even more lucrative £200million package from rivals Al-Hilal, worth a staggering £1.3million per week over 3 years.
With just 7 days left in the transfer window, Al-Ittihad are making a last-gasp attempt to prize away United’s talisman in what sources describe as “positive” talks between both camps.
The Numbers Behind the Madness
Fernandes’ Saudi demands put his ambitions into sharp focus:
- Current United salary: £300,000 per week (£15.6m annually)
- Al-Ittihad asking price: £33m per year (£634,000 weekly)
- Al-Hilal rejected offer: £66m annually (£1.3m weekly)
- Total Al-Hilal package: £200m over 3 years
The 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder is clearly testing the Saudi market’s appetite, having already turned down what would have been the most lucrative contract in football history.
United’s £212m Summer Spree Creates Pressure
The Red Devils’ massive summer outlay has created financial pressures that could force difficult decisions:
- Benjamin Sesko: £72m from RB Leipzig
- Bryan Mbeumo: £71m from Brentford
- Matheus Cunha: £62m from Wolverhampton
- Diego Leon: £7m from Real Madrid youth system
With zero confirmed permanent departures generating income, United may be tempted to cash in on their highest earner to balance the books.
Captain’s Honest Assessment
Fernandes has been refreshingly candid about his future, stating earlier this summer: “I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.”
Fernandes previously rejected a move to Al-Hilal to stay and lead Ruben Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford
But he added a crucial caveat about his career priorities: “I want to play major competitions. I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most.”
That desire for “major competitions” explains his initial Al-Hilal rejection, despite the astronomical figures involved.
The Saudi Factor
Al-Ittihad’s approach represents the second major Saudi assault on Fernandes in 2024. The Jeddah-based club clearly believe they can succeed where Al-Hilal failed, potentially offering a middle ground between European football ambitions and Saudi riches.
The timing is crucial – with United’s new signings yet to gel and Fernandes still their creative fulcrum, losing him now would be devastating for their season prospects.
What This Means for United
Three key scenarios emerge:
- Stay put: Fernandes remains, Saudi interest proves leverage for improved United terms
- Saudi switch: £33m+ offer proves irresistible for both player and cash-strapped club
- European move: Interest from Champions League clubs materializes in final week
The “positive” nature of Al-Ittihad talks suggests this isn’t going away quietly. United fans will be watching nervously as the transfer deadline approaches.
With Marcus Rashford already loaned to Barcelona and key veterans like Eriksen, Lindelof and Evans departing on frees, losing Fernandes would represent seismic change at Old Trafford.
The next 7 days could define United’s entire season.
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