Bruno Fernandes Fires Back at Exit Rumors with Defiant 'Enjoy the Moment' Declaration
Manchester United's midfield star Bruno Fernandes admitted it would be "impossible" to envision himself departing for Saudi Arabia this coming summer, though he declined to completely dismiss the possibility of an unexpected exit from Old Trafford.
Fernandes received a lucrative proposal to move to the Middle East during the latest summer transfer period, with Al Hilal pursuing a package valued at approximately £200 million ($266.7 million) combining transfer costs and salary. Following discussions with United and receiving assurance that he remained valued at Old Trafford, the Portuguese star publicly turned down the proposition.
United's disappointing campaign opening has rekindled transfer speculation, nonetheless. While discussions of a Saudi Arabian transfer in 2026 are widespread, recent reports have even hinted he might make the transition as soon as January.
At a recent international duty press briefing, Fernandes faced questions about potentially reconsidering a Saudi move next season. Though his dedication to United was evident, the 31-year-old acknowledged uncertainty about what lies ahead.
"That's an impossible scenario to contemplate, as it's nothing that's been brought up with me," he emphasized. "I prefer to savor the present moment, and what matters most to me right now is representing my country.
"It brings me tremendous pride to have the opportunity to play [for Portugal on Saturday], and I still don't know if I'll feature, much less whether I'll depart Manchester United in twelve months.
"It's not something that concerns me. I'm content with my current situation, otherwise I wouldn't have remained. But it's something that genuinely doesn't trouble me."
Fernandes: 'I Wanted to Stay at Man Utd'
For Fernandes, the main goal has consistently been achieving success with United. He has expressed candidly on multiple occasions his desire to remain and compete for silverware with the Red Devils, admitting he would depart once United determines he is no longer needed at Old Trafford.
Discussions regarding his United future took place this past summer, following Fernandes publicly indicating the club might view a £100 million transfer fee as too tempting to refuse. When club leadership confirmed their intention to retain Fernandes, he closed off any exit possibility without hesitation.
"I didn't reject the Saudi Arabia move because of the World Cup," Fernandes clarified. "That was never a consideration for me.
"I desired to remain at Manchester United, and the club desired my continuation. That's the complete story."