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Bruno Fernandes was topic to approaches from three separate Saudi Professional League sides this summer time – with one using a singular tactic to lure the Manchester United midfielder to the Center East, in line with Ben Jacobs.
A 3-way tussle for Fernandes
Fernandes was the Purple Devils’ greatest participant final season, returning a powerful 19 targets and 19 assists throughout an outstanding particular person marketing campaign for the membership captain, regardless of the remainder of the staff’s struggles.
The concept United would entertain his exit – a prospect head coach Ruben Amorim categorically dominated out – was an nearly unthinkable one.
However Al-Hilal had been intent on making Fernandes a press release signing this summer time, and dialogue was established with the Portugal worldwide’s representatives over an eye-watering sum to persuade him to depart Previous Trafford.
Fernandes is believed to have entertained the supply, not less than from an exploratory perspective, however in the end made the choice that his time inside European soccer was not over, notably with the World Cup subsequent summer time.
United insist the midfielder’s exit was not an choice.
However well-placed sources point out the membership would have not less than thought-about a blockbuster proposal – Al-Hilal had been believed to be keen to supply as a lot as £100 million to finish the deal – for a participant who turns 31 this month.
Al-Hilal weren’t the one aspect fascinated by Fernandes, nonetheless.
Ben Jacobs – a journalist with wonderful contacts in Saudi Arabia – reveals Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad additionally made advances to signal the midfield maestro, with the previous using a singular tactic to persuade Fernandes to say sure the place Al-Hilal had obtained a no.
Drafting in Cristiano
Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr after his contract with United was mutually terminated in November 2022, has grow to be a key choice maker for the Saudi membership and is “straight concerned” of their recruitment plan.
Jacobs reveals Ronaldo, 40, made an “casual strategy” to Fernandes however was met with a “agency” response from his Portuguese teammate.
“Fernandes was additionally topic of an off-the-cuff strategy from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in late July. Ronaldo is now straight concerned in Nassr’s recruitment after extending his contract with the membership.
“Fernandes was once more agency in his want to remain in Europe for not less than one other 12 months. talkSPORT perceive this was communicated on to Ronaldo.”
Jacobs contends United “might be tempted” to promote Fernandes subsequent summer time because the membership plots a complete overhaul of Amorim’s midfield unit, with a return for Brighton starlet Carlos Baleba anticipated.
Whether or not Amorim could be keen to entertain his captain and most necessary participant’s exit is a completely completely different proposition, nonetheless.
Featured picture Mike Hewitt through Getty Photographs
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