- Bruno Fernandes is under contract with Manchester United until June 2027
- But Al-Hilal are willing to spend big money to bring the player to Saudi Arabia
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Bruno Fernandes has posted a cryptic message on Instagram amid mounting speculation over a potential mega-money switch to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
The Manchester United captain, who has just led the club on a post-season tour of Asia, shared an Instagram Story on Saturday afternoon that read in his native Portuguese: ‘Whatever happens, happens for a reason. Trust the process.’
The post came just days after his agent, Miguel Pinho, held face-to-face talks with Al-Hilal officials at the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh, in what was described by sources as a ‘positive’ meeting.
It emerged earlier this week that Fernandes had been handed a 72-hour deadline to respond to Al-Hilal’s final ‘take it or leave it’ offer.
That deadline has now passed, but the outcome remains unclear.
Al-Hilal are said to have offered Fernandes a staggering financial package worth up to £200million over three years, including bonuses.
Bruno Fernandes pictured earlier this week during Manchester United’s trip to Hong Kong
On Saturday, Fernandes wrote: ‘Whatever happens, happens for a reason. Trust the process’
Agent Miguel Pinho (left) recently held talks with Al-Hilal about a possible move for Fernandes
As part of the deal, the Saudi giants are prepared to quadruple Fernandes’ current weekly wage of £280,000 to a tax-free sum of £700,000.
If the 30-year-old gives the green light then the Saudi club are expected to submit a formal bid in the region of £100m to United, who continue to insist they do not want to sell.
However, defeat to Tottenham in last week’s Europa League final deprived United of Champions League football and an estimated £100m in revenue – intensifying the financial pressure at Old Trafford.
Speaking after the final, Fernandes himself acknowledged the possibility of a summer exit, saying: ‘If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.’
Al-Hilal are keen to sign the Portugal international in time for the expanded Club World Cup, which begins on June 14.
They have been drawn in Group H alongside European champions Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg and Mexican side Pachuca.
