Al Hilal plot 3rd Bruno Fernandes transfer meeting as Man Utd statement ignored

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal remain hot in pursuit of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes despite Ruben Amorim's insistence that he is not for sale this summer

Al Hilal are refusing to give up on an eye-watering transfer deal for Bruno Fernandes - as club chiefs officials line up a third meeting with his representatives. Fahad bin Nafel, who is the president of the Saudi Pro League club, is understood to have met with Bruno Fernandes' agent Miguel Ruben and lawyer Caetano Maria on Monday.

During those discussions, Al Hilal presented a lucrative three-year contract offer for the Manchester United captain but the proposal was politely rejected by Fernandes' inner circle.

United are not willing to entertain a sale and insist the Portugal international is integral to their plans - a stance publicly communicated by Ruben Amorim in recent days - and equally, the 30-year-old remains committed to his Old Trafford contract which runs until the summer of 2027.

However, Saudi sources have indicated that Al Hilal are yet to concede defeat and they're planning a third sit-down with Fernandes' camp.

The first meeting between the parties is understood to have taken place in London but financials were not discussed.

Now Al Hilal are keen to launch one final push, they believe a third round of discussions are on the agenda and they are willing to show notable flexibility on potential salary demands in a bid to turn the player's head.

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans have also attracted admirers at Al Hilal and could emerge as alternative targets if a deal for Fernandes proves out of reach. Al Hilal's interest in Fernandes is long-standing and their previous advances for his services were swiftly shot down in 2023 and 2024.

The Saudi giants would like to bolster their squad with an array of superstar signings for the Club World Cup ahead of their Group H opener against Real Madrid on June 18.

Fernandes has 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions this season and Manchester United's summer transfer budget is expected to be dictated by the result of their Europa League final against Tottenham.

Amorim said ahead of their 4-1 semi-final victory over Athletic Club: "Our idea didn't change. We want to keep the best players - and Bruno is clearly one of the top players in the world. We want Bruno here.

"It is easy to understand [his importance] - not just because of the numbers but the way he plays and the importance he has during his five years here. It's normal that a lot of clubs want a player like Bruno. He is a leader and he's the captain, so he's really important. He is a top player, we need top players."

Fernandes wants to win silverware at United and it's clear the team is on an upwards trajectory under Amorim with an series of big-name signings planned - Matheus Cunha, Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap, Jonathan Tah and Bryan Mbeumo are among their targets - in the upcoming months.