Bruno Fernandes has blurred the lines but Saudi transfer appears inevitable

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There is a lot about the latest instalment of the Bruno Fernandes-Saudi Arabia saga that does not make complete sense. But one thing is for sure.

The first time the wider public was aware such a move was on the cards was when Fernandes told those of us who were in the media area of San Mames stadium in Bilbao late on May 21. Pretty much out of the blue - in the immediate disappointment of a loss in the Europa League final - it was Fernandes who officially set the transfer ball rolling into the public domain.

Less than an hour after Spurs had completed victory in a dismal contest, this is what Fernandes said. It was completely unprompted.

“If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it is what it is. And football sometimes is like this.

“I have always been honest. I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go.”

We were all a little but stunned by Fernandes’ words but it was clear the idea of him leaving United had been the subject of discussion. While he told reporters in October that the club had wanted him to stay, he has now told Portuguese television that the club wanted him to go and that hurt him.

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The lines are blurred. But we do know that Fernandes’ representatives were in advanced talks with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal over the summer, only for the player to finally turn down an offer that would have been worth a basic £700,000 a week.

The club will point to Fernandes’ comments about United wanting him to stay when privately discussing his latest claim that they wanted him out. All somewhat confusing. But the truth is surely somewhere in the middle.

Saudi interest in relatively ageing but established stars can be a game-changer. If a club can get £100million for a player about to turn 31, the chief executive - or whoever - would not be doing his job if he didn’t strongly consider it, even if the player was one of the best.

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And here’s the thing. There is little doubt that Fernandes has been United’s best player over the last half-decade, the best at United since he arrived in January, 2020.

Fernandes has 103 goals and 93 assists in 307 games for the club and has been captain since July, 2023. But he has also been part of the comparative mediocrity that has engulfed Old Trafford in recent seasons.

It is harsh to put it like that but it is the inescapable truth. He has been a constant throughout the Premier League struggles. Without him, United might have struggled even more but he was still the skipper who led his team to 15th in the Premier League last season.

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Fernandes has spoken with Cristiano Ronaldo about Saudi and has spoken warmly about the prospect of playing out there. And from a financial point of view, it would clearly hold considerable attraction for him. All the signs point to him ending up there.

But when? It will not be in January. United need every bit of inspiration they can muster for a second half of a season when not finishing in a top-four position will be inexcusable.

But if Al-Hilal comes up with another very lumpy offer in the summer - and Fernandes will be 32 next September - don’t be surprised if the club is more amenable to taking the money this time around.

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