Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has revealed a key moment behind his decision not to leave Manchester United and not to make the move to Saudi Arabia.
Bruno Fernandes was heavily linked with a blockbuster transfer away from Old Trafford ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign under Ruben Amorim.
Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal wanted to sign Fernandes in 2025 and the 31-year-old Manchester United captain was subject to an offer between £80m and £100m.
However, Fernandes shut down an approach from Al Hilal last summer and the Portugal international committed himself to the Premier League season with United.
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Bruno Fernandes explains the important role that his wife had in his decision to shut down Saudi Arabia’s interest
Saudi Arabia have had a longstanding interest in signing Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who is under contract with Manchester United until 2027.
United are believed to be keen to see Fernandes, who will turn 32 in September, commit his long-term future to the Premier League club after the World Cup.
Speaking on The Diary of a CEO, Fernandes revealed that he spoke with his agent last summer after Al Hilal showed an interest in bringing him to Saudi Arabia.
However, the former Sporting CP midfielder’s chat with his wife, Ana Pinho, was a major factor over whether he would progress with talks with Al Hilal over a move.
“Of course, as always, I spoke obviously first to my agent, because he speaks with me about the offer,” he said.
“But then the first thing I did was call her [Ana]. And I was in… I think it was Hong Kong. We went on the post-season tour and the timing was not the best to talk with her because of the time difference and everything.
“But she was there again and what the words she said was like, ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve in your career?’ ‘Is this the next step you want to [take] for your future and for your career?’”
ACCEPT or HIT BACK: I won’t mind a loss against Brighton as long as Bruno Fernandes breaks the PL assist record!
Have the standards fallen at Man Utd, or is the chance to make history in a dead-rubber game a no-brainer?
The conclusion that Man Utd and Portugal star Bruno Fernandes came to over Al Hilal’s 2025 transfer interest
Fernandes has been a standout performer for United in the 2025-26 campaign, including playing key roles under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
The former Udinese and Sampdoria player revealed that his talk with Ana Pinho opened his eyes to where he was truly at in his prolific playing career so far.
“Like, because obviously this is the league I want to be in,” Fernandes added.
“This is the best league in the world; this is where I’m going to enjoy my football, as I’m not going to enjoy it in any other place.
“So, we still have dreams to fulfil.”
Fernandes ended the 2025-26 campaign by breaking the Premier League assist record in Man Utd’s 3-0 away win over Brighton on the final day of the season.
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