According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Al-Hilal have reignited their pursuit of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, with fresh talks now underway to secure a blockbuster transfer ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup. The Saudi Pro League giants have made no secret of their desire to assemble a squad capable of challenging the European elite on the global stage, and Fernandes is viewed as the final piece in their midfield puzzle. On Monday, representatives from Al Hilal reportedly held discussions with Fernandes’ agent and legal team to accelerate negotiations, aiming to make him the poster boy of their Club World Cup campaign.
The move marks a renewed push from Al Hilal, who initially tried to lure the Portuguese international during the January transfer window. Back then, Fernandes was committed to staying at Old Trafford. However, with Manchester United’s future uncertain amid a turbulent season and with no guarantee of UEFA Champions League football next term, the timing may now be more favourable for all parties involved.
Al Hilal’s ambition is not only financial. With the Club World Cup looming, the Saudi outfit finds itself in a competitive group featuring Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Salzburg. The acquisition of a high-calibre midfielder like Bruno Fernandes would provide the technical control and leadership they currently lack in the centre of the park. Though Neymar and Kalidou Koulibaly have raised the team’s profile, neither offers the midfield dominance or creative vision that Fernandes consistently provides.
For Manchester United, the idea of losing their captain is a bitter pill to swallow. Fernandes has been one of the few consistent performers in a season plagued by mediocrity and misfiring stars. His creativity, work rate, and ability to inspire those around him make him indispensable in the current setup. However, the reality of financial fair play, squad overhaul requirements, and potentially missing out on key revenues next season could make a record offer from Al Hilal impossible to turn down.
Fichajes suggest Al Hilal are preparing a lucrative deal that would not only eclipse Fernandes’ current wages but also hand Manchester United a massive transfer fee. The Saudi club is determined to wrap things up before the Club World Cup kicks off in June 2025, and they are ready to go all in to ensure Fernandes headlines their squad on the world stage.
Bruno Fernandes’ potential move to Al Hilal may be the biggest statement yet in the Saudi Pro League’s relentless march into global football relevance. While the Portuguese midfielder still has plenty to offer in Europe, United’s faltering trajectory and the ever-growing financial power of Saudi clubs create a perfect storm. For United, selling their captain would be a symbolic admission of their declining status, but for Fernandes, this could be an opportunity to become the centrepiece of a club poised for international attention. One thing is clear, if Al Hilal get their way, the 2025 Club World Cup will have a new marquee name lighting up the midfield.
