Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has already made it clear he plans to play in Brazil at some point in the future.
The Red Devils captain, 29, has been one of the club's most important players since joining in January 2020 but is currently the subject of transfer speculation in the wake of a disappointing 2023/24 campaign.
Although Fernandes has been one of United's most consistent performers, the club are miles behind their rivals at the top of the Premier League. And with the Portugal international eager to win trophies as he approaches his prime, Bayern Munich are lurking with intent ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
While the opportunity to join the German giants may appeal to Fernandes, he has previously expressed a desire to play in South America after moving on from Old Trafford.
The midfielder previously told ESPN Brasil: “Whenever I can, I follow it, because I find Brazilian football attractive, electric football, with a lot of quality, joy, very one-on-one.
“It’s pure football. And I think that now, with the coaches that are there, not only the Portuguese, but also Brazilians, are increasingly developing in the tactical part.
“I don’t really like talking about the distant future, but it’s like I said. It’s attractive football, very interesting. The only thing is that the trips are very long there in Brazil! There are many competitions, many clubs that play Libertadores and Sudamericana, very good competitions. I’m not saying no, because Brazilian football is very attractive, and we never know the future.”
While Fernandes may or may not depart Old Trafford for Bayern Munich this summer, Erik ten Hag has made his feelings clear: the midfield maestro has been and remains an integral part of his plans.
But with Ten Hag's own position up in the air, it remains to be seen whether or not the Manchester United hierarchy heed his words.
“It's the same question as last week,” Ten Hag said on Tuesday. “And the same answer. In all the years, he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United, creating the most chances across the Premier League. So many assists, so many goals. It's clear he's a very important player for us.”