Bruno Fernandes insists he wants to play “at the highest possible level”, after rejecting a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The Manchester United skipper had been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, where Portugal team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo ply their trade.
Fernandes contemplated an “exciting” offer to reportedly earn double his salary and join Al-Hilal in time for the Club World Cup, which begins later this month.
However, the midfielder has opted to remain at Old Trafford, where he has made 290 appearances and scored 98 goals since joining Man Utd in January 2020.
Fernandes came to the decision following discussions with his family, while he was also not to leave by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.
Our skipper
@B_Fernandes8#MUFC pic.twitter.com/ebsPPtOJ0r
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 3, 2025
“Manchester United said they didn’t want to sell me. They said if I wanted to go, I could, but they didn’t need the money,” he told reporters ahead of Portugal’s Nations League semi-final against Germany on Wednesday.
“I spoke to Ruben Amorim who, throughout that period, was pushing for me not to go.
“I want to play at the highest possible level. I want to play major competitions. I know I still can, and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most.
“For better or worse, this is how I see football, and I’m passionate about football and this is the decision I’ve made.”
Fernandes is likely to feature on Wednesday, when Portugal aim to overcome Germany at the Allianz Arena and reach their second Nations League final.
