Bruno Fernandes 'open to Man Utd exit' despite rejecting £200m contract

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is reportedly prepared to leave the club next summer following his rejection of an extremely lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia. Fernandes was strongly linked with a switch to Al-Hilal earlier in the summer transfer window, but he eventually chose to decline their approach.

Al-Hilal weighed up a £100million offer and were prepared to hand Fernandes £700,000-per-week - meaning he could have pocketed approximately £200m across a three-year contract. Nevertheless, he has subsequently been tipped to secure a transfer to another Saudi Pro League outfit, with Al-Ittihad reportedly having conducted discussions with Fernandes' agents. Yet, the Mirror has reported that Fernandes wishes to stay at United for a further year to 'avoid any disruption' before the 2026 World Cup.

The report suggests that he would then contemplate departing following the tournament. It is alleged Fernandes would be receptive to joining a side in Saudi Arabia, America or another prominent European division.

And United might opt to capitalise, having recently splashed out £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to feature in Fernandes' preferred No. 10 position. Clarifying his choice to reject Al-Hilal, Fernandes revealed to Sky Sports earlier this month: "I haven't fulfilled my dreams here yet.

"I think I can still give something to the club. I think I'm still in a position where I'm helpful so the thing for me is that I will be here until the club decides that 'Bruno, it's time to go'.

"Obviously, I know it was tough on the club to decide that because it was a big amount of money that the club hasn't got probably since Cristiano [Ronaldo] left, he was the last one where they got so much money for a player.

"I know for the club it was tough to decide. Because on one side I'm the club captain, I'm important for them, even if at times I've not been great, I've been performing and everything. I know that in the public eye it will be bad if things go wrong.

"But it would be very good if things go well - if they sell me and they get more players and whatever. But in my mind I've always said that this is the place I want to be.

"The dream of coming and playing in the Premier League, because for me it is the biggest league in the world and I want to fulfil my dreams of staying here and winning more things with the club. Obviously I know people will have different opinions - he's 30 years old, he's getting old.."

Significantly, he admitted considering the offer, adding: "It was a very ambitious proposal. The president was a fantastic person. We never discussed the amount initially. With my agent? Of course. Then, I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career.

"She was someone who always supported me a lot. It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team, we have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it."