The Al-Hilal Connection
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Fernandes is driven by their ambition to attract top European talent. The Saudi club has been in talks with Fernandes’ representatives, and a potential transfer fee of over £100 million could be agreed upon. The offer reportedly includes a staggering £65 million per season for Fernandes, making it a difficult proposition to ignore. This isn’t the first time Al-Hilal has pursued Fernandes; they previously offered £200 million for the player, which he rejected in favor of staying at Manchester United to compete at the highest level in Europe ¹.
Possible Replacements for Fernandes
If Fernandes decides to leave Manchester United, several players could potentially fill the void. Some top targets include ²:
- Oihan Sancet: Athletic Club’s skilled midfielder, known for his creativity and vision on the pitch.
- Dani Olmo: RB Leipzig’s dynamic attacking midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
- Mikel Merino: Real Sociedad’s talented midfielder, who has caught the attention of several top clubs.
- Moussa Diaby: Aston Villa’s pacey attacking midfielder, who could add a new dimension to Manchester United’s attack.
- Mikkel Damsgaard: Brentford’s creative midfielder, who could provide a fresh perspective to Manchester United’s midfield.
- Carlos Baleba: Brighton & Hove Albion’s midfielder, who could be a target for Manchester United to replace Fernandes. The club might consider selling Fernandes to fund Baleba’s transfer, with Al-Hilal’s potential bid worth over £100 million ³.
Current Odds and Future Prospects
The current odds suggest that Fernandes is more likely to stay at Manchester United, with odds of 4/9, while the odds for him joining any Saudi Pro League club are 7/4. However, Fernandes’ mind could change depending on various factors, including Manchester United’s performance and the allure of a new project ⁴.
Fernandes’ Comments and Future Plans
Fernandes has hinted that he would leave Manchester United if the club decides to sell him, stating, “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cash in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.” This suggests that Fernandes is open to exploring new opportunities, but ultimately, the decision lies with Manchester United ⁵.
Manchester United’s Dilemma
As the situation unfolds, Manchester United will need to weigh the pros and cons of selling Fernandes. On one hand, they could receive a significant transfer fee, which could be reinvested in the team. On the other hand, losing their captain and creative force could disrupt the team’s dynamics and impact their performance on the pitch. Ultimately, the decision will depend on various factors, including the club’s financial situation, Fernandes’ personal preferences, and the team’s overall goals.
In recent developments, Fabrizio Romano suggests that Fernandes is expected to stay at United until at least summer 2026, despite Al-Ittihad’s interest in signing him. The player’s representatives have held positive talks with Al-Ittihad, but nothing concrete has been finalized yet ⁶.
Fernandes has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester United’s ongoing project, stating that he wants to maintain himself at the highest level and compete in top-tier European football. He emphasized that Manchester United didn’t need the money from selling him and wouldn’t have sold him without his consent ⁷.
