Man Utd have green lit Bruno Fernandes transfer talks. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have given Bruno Fernandes their permission to open transfer talks with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, according to reports. Fernandes is being lined up for a shock move to the Saudi Pro League, with two clubs said to be leading the race for his signature this summer.
The 29-year-old's future has descended into uncertainty after United suffered their worst-ever Premier League season, finishing eighth, outside of the European qualification spots.
He is one of the world's most gifted midfielders but is set to spend another year away from the Champions League and experience the start of yet another rebuild at Old Trafford.
And links with a potential big-money move to Saudi Arabia have recently intensified as United's new-look recruitment team step up the club's transfer plans.
According to TEAMTALK, the PIF's interest in Fernandes has progressed in recent months after launching an initial approach in November 2023.
Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are his leading suitors and are said to have already laid out their vision during the latest meeting between the parties a few weeks ago.
United have reportedly given him the green light to advance negotiations over a Saudi switch, with the next meeting scheduled for after Euro 2024.
And it's claimed that Fernandes has made it clear that he would prefer a move to Al Nassr, where he would have the opportunity to reunite with Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bruno Fernandes could leave Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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The report adds that the United captain was leaning towards remaining at Old Trafford as recently as June, but there is now cautious optimism about luring him to the Middle East.
But he has stressed the importance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS matching his ambitions while he's in the prime of his career.
"I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don't want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream," Fernandes wrote for the Players' Tribune.
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"I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing.
"We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals.
"That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve. I just want to keep fighting. I want to be here. My family wants to be here."
TEAMTALK state that United want to keep Fernandes, but the PIF - eyeing his signature at any cost - is readying an offer that would be difficult to refuse.
