Bruno Fernandes offered transfer that Man Utd might be unable to reject as ‘secret meeting’ held

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could be edging closer to a shock departure from Old Trafford after it was revealed that a lucrative offer has been tabled, one that might prove too tempting for both the player and the club to refuse.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has been the heartbeat of United’s team since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, has reportedly held talks with Saudi Pro League giants Al Ittihad in what is being described as a “secret meeting.” With just a week remaining before the transfer window closes, the timing of the approach has left both fans and the club hierarchy on edge.

Despite a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw United slump to their lowest-ever Premier League finish of 15th place, Fernandes remained one of the few shining lights. His leadership, creativity, and ability to produce moments of magic have kept the Red Devils competitive in some of their darkest periods. The start of the new season brought fresh optimism, particularly under Ruben Amorim, who has been backed in the market with the arrivals of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. Yet, this transfer twist threatens to overshadow the club’s rebuilding momentum.

Reports indicate that Al Ittihad are prepared to make Fernandes one of the highest-paid players in world football. A staggering contract worth around £33 million per year — approximately £634,000 per week — is believed to be on the table. For Fernandes, who has already turned down Saudi advances earlier in the summer from Al Hilal, the sheer scale of this financial package could be a decisive factor.

From Manchester United’s perspective, the potential transfer fee being discussed is equally significant. The club are thought to value their captain at no less than £100 million, a figure Al Ittihad would have little difficulty meeting given the enormous financial backing behind the Saudi Pro League. A sale of that magnitude would provide United with funds to reinvest, but losing their captain just days before the window closes could destabilize their entire campaign.

Fernandes’ impact since joining United cannot be overstated. With 291 appearances and 184 goal contributions to his name, he has consistently been the team’s creative engine and has won the club’s Player of the Season award four times. His departure would leave a gaping hole in midfield, both in terms of productivity and leadership, as few players in the squad have demonstrated the same ability to inspire and dictate play.

What complicates matters further is Fernandes’ own stance. Earlier this summer, he was quick to downplay rumors of an exit, insisting his commitment to United was unwavering unless the club itself decided otherwise. “I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go,” Fernandes told reporters in June. “I want to bring back the great days. But football is like this — you never know what will happen.” Those words now ring louder than ever as speculation intensifies.

For United fans, the prospect of losing their captain so close to the season’s start is nothing short of alarming. Fernandes has been more than just a player; he has been a symbol of resilience during turbulent years at the club. Social media has already erupted with debate, with some urging the board to reject any approach outright, while others argue that cashing in could be the reset United desperately need after years of underachievement.

From Al Ittihad’s perspective, signing Fernandes would represent a huge coup. The Saudi Pro League has already attracted big names like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Neymar, but the arrival of United’s captain would send a fresh statement about the league’s growing ability to lure elite players in their prime. For Fernandes himself, it could be the chance to secure generational wealth while still playing at a competitive level.

The next few days will be critical. If Al Ittihad formalize their offer and United’s board agree to talks, the transfer saga could accelerate quickly. What was once unthinkable — Bruno Fernandes leaving Old Trafford — is now a genuine possibility hanging over the club as the deadline looms.

For now, United supporters can only wait anxiously. Will their captain remain to lead Ruben Amorim’s new project, or will he be the next superstar to be swept away by the Saudi Pro League revolution? The answer, it seems, will arrive before the window slams shut.