Bruno Fernandes has confirmed that he turned down a major offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
The Manchester United captain said the decision came down to staying at the highest level of football-something he still feels fully capable of.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Fernandes revealed that Al-Hilal’s president contacted him directly about the move. “The president of Al-Hilal called me a month ago to ask about the possibility of me moving there,” he said. “I had to wait a while to think about the future. As I’ve always said, I would be willing to do it if United thought it was best to move on.”
While Fernandes acknowledged the ambition behind the proposal and praised the approach from the Saudi club, his decision was ultimately rooted in competition and personal ambition. “From my side, it was a very ambitious proposal, the president was a fantastic person. I never talked about the money-it ended up coming up later, with my agent.”
He added that he consulted with Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim and even discussed the potential move with his family. “I spoke with Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. I spoke to the club, who said they weren’t willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave.”
For Fernandes, it wasn’t just about the paycheck or a new lifestyle-even though a transition to Saudi Arabia would’ve been smooth. He noted the presence of fellow Portuguese players Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo and the social ease that came with it. “It was an easy move, even at a family level. My children are used to playing with theirs,” he explained.
Still, the final choice was clear. “But I simply want to stay at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, because I still feel capable of that,” Fernandes said. “I want to continue to be happy and do what I love most. I’m still very passionate about this sport.”
It’s a decision that reaffirms Fernandes’ commitment to Manchester United and the Premier League. In an era where many top players are moving to leagues offering huge salaries, Fernandes is staying where the football is most competitive. That mindset aligns with the expectations of United fans, who see their captain not just as a leader on the pitch but someone who values the badge he wears.
As transfer speculation continues to swirl, Fernandes’ stance sends a strong message: for some, playing at the highest level still matters more than a massive payday.
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