Bruno doubles down on Saudi Arabia transfer stance in clear MU statement

  /  autty

Bruno Fernandes has once again been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, but the Manchester United captain has reiterated his desire to stay at Old Trafford

Bruno Fernandes has revealed that next summer's World Cup played no part in his decision to stay at Manchester United. The Red Devils captain was linked to a big-money move to Saudi Arabia during the summer but the midfielder insists that his only thought was to stick with his current club, even in light of fresh rumours.

Potential bids from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have been speculated upon, but the Portugal international remains committed to at least another year at Old Trafford. Fernandes, 31, has two seasons left on his contract, with an option to extend for a further 12 months, and he remains a key player for Ruben Amorim.

In June, Fernandes revealed that the president of Al-Hilal called him over a deal. The Saudi side were said to be willing to cough up a £300million package - £100m for United and a £200m contract for the playmaker.

The former Sporting star has endured a mixed season thus far after two penalty misses, but was a rare plus in a dismal 2024-25 season at Old Trafford. Fernandes still has two goals to his name this term, however.

And ahead of Portugal's World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, the midfielder addressed the speculation surrounding his future. Fernandes gave a simple answer on his decision to stay with United.

"I didn't close the door on moving to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup," he stated. "That was never in my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United, and the club wanted me to stay. That's all there is to it."

Fernandes refused to engage in conversation over the possibility of departing next summer. Nothing appears imminent for the moment.

"That's an impossible scenario to imagine, because it's nothing that's been discussed with me," he said. "When it was discussed with me, I spoke openly with you at a press conference before a Nations League match.

"I like to enjoy the moment, and the most important thing for me now is representing the national team, because it's a source of enormous pride to be able to play tomorrow [Saturday], and I still don't know if I'll play, let alone if I'll leave Manchester United in a year.

"I'm happy where I am; otherwise, I wouldn't have stayed, but it's something that doesn't affect me."

Fernandes will hope to start Portugal's World Cup qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening. The Nations League champions hold a perfect record so far in Group F after wins over Armenia and Hungary to open their campaign to reach North America next summer.

"We have to take it game by game, even though we know we want to reach the World Cup as quickly as possible," the 31-year-old told Channel 11 via O Jogo. "Our main goal is to win every game, and we’re focused on that, knowing that the dream of the World Cup is always present.

"Since I was little, I've dreamed of winning the World Cup, and it’s not just my dream, it's the dream of all Portuguese people. First, we’ll do everything we can to be there, and then we'll do everything we can to make that dream come true."

Related: Manchester United Bruno Fernandes
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