Bruno Fernandes Considering Future Move to Saudi Arabia or MLS After 2026

Bruno Fernandes has long been the heartbeat of Manchester United since his arrival in January 2020. The Portuguese playmaker transformed a struggling team upon his arrival, immediately becoming the creative hub and later being handed the captain’s armband. But now, reports suggest that the Red Devils’ talisman is weighing up the possibility of a new adventure beyond Old Trafford when the 2025–26 season concludes.

According to the Daily Mail, Fernandes is expected to assess his long-term future once the season ends, with two particularly lucrative options on the table: the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS). Both destinations present vastly different opportunities, but the timing could align perfectly with his ambitions, especially as he prepares for what could be his final World Cup with Portugal in 2026.

By then, Fernandes will be nearing his 32nd birthday. He will still have one year left on his current £280,000-per-week contract, though Manchester United possess an option to extend the deal by an additional season. That contract situation makes 2026 a pivotal moment for both the player and the club. For Fernandes, it could be the chance to secure one last major move. For United, it will represent the final opportunity to either cash in on their captain or commit to keeping him deep into his thirties.

The attraction of Saudi Arabia is obvious. Clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr — the latter home to Cristiano Ronaldo — are keeping a close watch. Financially, the offers would be astronomical, potentially pushing Fernandes’ weekly salary close to £1 million. Beyond the numbers, there is also the appeal of joining a growing league that has already lured stars like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and his compatriot Ronaldo. The Saudi project is aggressive, ambitious, and determined to establish itself among world football’s elite.

On the other hand, MLS offers a different allure. While wages there cannot compete with Saudi Arabia, the lifestyle and cultural experience in the United States present a unique pull. Lionel Messi’s landmark switch to Inter Miami in 2023 revolutionized the league’s global appeal, and Fernandes could follow in similar footsteps, not just as a footballer but as a cultural icon. For someone of his charisma and leadership, becoming the face of a U.S. club could prove immensely attractive.

For Manchester United, however, Fernandes’ potential departure raises complex questions. Since his debut, he has contributed 79 goals and 63 assists in 230 appearances — numbers that underline his irreplaceable influence. He dictates the tempo, thrives under pressure, and sets standards in the dressing room. Even when United have struggled collectively, Fernandes has consistently performed at a high level, showing remarkable durability by playing more minutes than almost anyone else in the squad.

The club’s reliance on him is immense, and any move away would force United into a painful transition. While new signings and emerging stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are showing promise, none yet possess the same authority or consistency Fernandes brings. Preparing for life after him will be one of the most challenging tasks facing Manchester United’s hierarchy in the coming years.

For now, Fernandes remains committed to leading the team through the 2025–26 season. The chances of a move this year appear slim, though speculation persists that Saudi clubs — especially Al-Ittihad — could test United’s resolve before their transfer window closes on September 10. It would take an extraordinary offer to force a change this summer, but the groundwork for his eventual exit is being quietly laid.

The reality is that Fernandes’ future will likely hinge on timing. At 32, he could still compete at the highest level in Europe, yet the prospect of securing a lucrative final contract abroad is difficult to ignore. The coming seasons will reveal whether he chooses to extend his Premier League journey or embrace a new challenge overseas.

What is certain, however, is that Bruno Fernandes has already written himself into Manchester United’s modern history. His goals, creativity, and leadership have carried the club through turbulent times. Whether he bows out at Old Trafford in 2026 or beyond, his next step will not only shape his career but also leave a lasting impact on the future direction of Manchester United.