Bruno Fernandes has decided to stay put at Manchester United, snubbing a lucrative approach from Saudi giants Al-Hilal despite the prospect of a massive salary increase.
The Portuguese midfielder had been weighing the offer over the past few days, with sources close to the player confirming it would have more than doubled his current earnings at Old Trafford. But after holding talks with his family and considering the wider implications of the move, Fernandes has opted to continue his career in Europe.
The decision brings relief to Manchester United, where Fernandes remains a central figure and one of the club’s highest-paid stars. Though Al-Hilal never formally submitted a transfer bid to United, the Saudi club was reportedly preparing to table an offer worth between £80 million and £100 million for the 30-year-old a deal they hoped to finalize ahead of this month’s Club World Cup.
Fernandes is expected to address the situation publicly when he appears at a press conference in Germany on Tuesday, ahead of Portugal’s Nations League semi-final clash on Wednesday.
Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim had already hinted last week that Fernandes was likely to remain with United, and it now appears his instincts were correct.
As for Al-Hilal, it remains to be seen whether they will turn their attention to other midfield targets after failing to lure the Portuguese playmaker to the Saudi Pro League.
