Man Utd give Fernandes, Saudi ‘green light’ with Ronaldo reunion mooted after ‘huge PIF offer’

Manchester United have reportedly given Bruno Fernandes the ‘green light’ to discuss a move to the Saudi Pro League with ‘PIF optimistic about the deal’.

The 2023/24 campaign was miserable for the Red Devils but captain Fernandes was consistently one of their stronger performers. He grabbed ten goals and eight assists in the Premier League.

New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his recruitment team should be looking to build Erik ten Hag’s team around Fernandes, but the 29-year-old is being heavily linked with a move elsewhere.

Bayern Munich and Saudi Pro League clubs have been mooted as possible destinations, but it’s also been assumed that Fernandes is simply lobbying for an improved contract as his current deal expires in 2026.

Ex-Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth recently arrived as Man Utd ‘ s sporting director and earlier this week, it was reported that he would be open to letting Fernandes leave on one condition.

‘United will even consider a sizable offer for skipper Bruno Fernandes, although he is expected to stay and sign a new deal.’

READ: Man Utd: Rashford, Casemiro sold and Mount stays as Ratcliffe gets rid of 11 in summer fire sale

According to our pals over at TEAMtalk , Fernandes has been ‘given the green light to delve into the proposal prepared for him by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’.

It is noted that contact was first made with Fernandes in November 2023, with Al Nassr and Al Ittihad the two clubs interested in him.

Fernandes is said to have ‘made it known that he prefers the Al Nassr option’ so they currently ‘lead the race’ to sign the Man Utd star, who could soon reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd: Ratcliffe ‘threatens’ to ‘defy Ten Hag’ by ‘brokering sale’ as Ashworth ‘wants’ replacement
👉 Man Utd ‘reach agreement’ for £34m star as striker promises to ‘rebuff’ any offers from Arsenal
👉 England ‘entitled to be turning over’ Switzerland after dropping Mainoo and putting TAA at left wing-back

Explaining why PIF are ‘optimistic about the deal’, the report adds.

‘If the player’s position until a few weeks ago was oriented towards staying at United, now there is cautious optimism of being able to land him – regardless of the final club where Fernandes will play – in Saudi Arabia.

‘In this negotiation, as often happens, the main role is played by the PIF, which has already presented a huge contract offer that is impossible for United to match.

‘In this model, the PIF seeks to get the player on board first before opening discussions with the club and they have been willing to throw vast sums of money at both to sway them in favour of doing business.

‘Obviously, in the event of an agreement with the player, it will then be necessary to finalise a deal with United who, at the moment, are not inclined to let him go.

‘However, an offer ‘difficult to refuse’ is also being prepared for the English giants, even if there has been no contact between the clubs so far, and will only begin after full agreement with Fernandes. The PIF wants Fernandes, at any cost.’