Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been one of the very few consistent bright spots for the club in the past two Premier League seasons, but he’s reaching an age and a level of fame when the Saudi Pro League come knocking. Now, per Saudi Arabian reporter @H_Swilhy, via Hilal Stuff, powerhouse club Al-Hilal have submitted an official transfer offer to Manchester United for Fernandes.
The Red Devils have been expecting an offer from Saudi Arabia to come through for their world-class No. 10, and Al-Hilal have been kicking around the idea of trying to sign the Portuguese international before the Club World Cup for quite some time.
Al-Hilal want to make a splash
Clubs in Saudi Arabia like Al-Hilal want to make a splash and sign superstars like Fernandes so they can threaten the world’s best clubs like Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, as there will be a lot of rewards financially and a lot to gain in terms of branding and bragging rights from a strong showing against Europe’s best.
Although Fernandes is United’s best player right now, there is a saying in football that it is better to sell a player one year too early than two years too late. At 30, Fernandes should have a couple of more years of elite play left in him, but Manchester United could build a whole new squad with the earnings from his transfer.
Even though Alejandro Garnacho has a way’s to go before he’s as effective or half as consistent as Fernandes, the Argentinian playmaker possesses more raw talent and is the future of the position.
Alejandro Garnacho would replace Bruno Fernandes
If Manchester United are tempted enough by this transfer offer from Al-Hilal, they could part ways with Bruno and say that the future is now, placing the keys to the kingdom in the palms of Garnacho.
The main thing will be seeing the salary offered to Fernandes, who could be tempted the most by a big offer from Saudi Arabia. They’ve been landing big names like teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and other icons of the game like Neymar, formerly of Al-Hilal, simply by offering gargantuan loads of cash per season.
In the past, Manchester United have rebuffed any rumors or attempts to sign Fernandes due to his importance as a leader and creator to the team. With eight goals, nine assists, and 2.5 key passes per game this season, Fernandes is as important as ever to Man United, so let’s see if the club’s chance changes at all.
Joe Soriano covers Tottenham for FanSided’s Hotspur HQ and writes about Real Madrid for The Real Champs. He has extensive experience covering world football since 2014. Joe is an editor for The Trivela Effect, where he covers the biggest clubs in European football. He has watched professional sports regularly since 2002 and can be found playing the same sports he covers with his friends.