Bruno Fernandes to Al Hilal? The £65 Million-A-Year Proposal That Could Rock European Football
In what could become one of the most unexpected and seismic transfers in recent memory, Manchester United’s captain and midfield talisman Bruno Fernandes is reportedly the subject of intense interest from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal. With an eye-watering three-year deal worth £65 million per season on the table, the Portuguese star could be tempted to follow the growing list of European elites making the move to the rapidly developing Saudi Pro League. If completed, the transfer would mark a stunning twist in Fernandes’ career—and a significant moment in the Saudi league’s bid to reshape the global football landscape.
The Captain of Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has been nothing short of transformative since joining Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020. Initially seen as a promising creative midfielder, he swiftly elevated his game to become United’s most consistent performer during a turbulent era for the club. With over 95 goals and 85 assists across all competitions and countless match-winning displays, Fernandes not only became a statistical leader but also the emotional heartbeat of the team.
In July 2023, he was officially named club captain, taking the armband from Harry Maguire. The decision reflected not just his on-pitch leadership but his cultural integration at the club. Through multiple managerial changes and squad rebuilds, Fernandes has remained a constant presence—reliable, driven, and often carrying the burden of expectation.
But despite his leadership and talent, Manchester United’s fortunes have remained mixed. Trophy hauls have been minimal, Champions League campaigns sporadic, and the club’s long-promised resurgence still elusive. That backdrop makes the timing of Al Hilal’s reported interest particularly compelling.
Al Hilal’s Ambition
Al Hilal, already home to the likes of Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Kalidou Koulibaly, has emerged as one of the most powerful forces in the Saudi Pro League’s spending spree. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (PIF), the club is determined to attract top-tier global stars not just for their footballing ability but to elevate the league’s international status.
Reports suggest that Al Hilal are ready to break all transfer boundaries by making a substantial offer—both to Manchester United and directly to Fernandes. The club is allegedly willing to pay up to £100 million for his transfer and offer the player an astronomical £65 million per year salary—easily placing him among the highest-paid footballers in the world.
Unlike previous interest from Saudi clubs in January, which Fernandes reportedly dismissed, this new approach arrives at a moment when questions about United’s direction and Fernandes’ long-term ambitions are beginning to intensify.