How Liverpool played a major role in record-breaking Saudi bid for Bruno Fernandes

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a top target for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Bruno Fernandes has been world-class for Manchester United this season so it is no surprise that he is attracting transfer interest.

Earlier this season, Real Madrid were linked with Fernandes but those rumours were immediately shut down by Ruben Amorim who declared his captain was not for sale.

However, fresh reports suggest Al-Hilal will make a British record bid for Fernandes, topping the £115m paid by Chelsea for Moises Caicedo.

Fernandes is set to be offered £65m per year if he accepts the contract proposal, but United will be desperate to keep hold of the 30-year-old.

Saudi bid for Bruno Fernandes stems from Liverpool deal

Al-Hilal have put aside over £500million for their transfer business this summer, and Fernandes has emerged as their top target.

However, that wasn’t always the case. As reported by the Daily Mail, Al-Hilal are eager to sign a marquee player and they initially wanted Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Their £500m budget was initially allocated to try and poach the Egyptian star, but Salah signed a new deal with Liverpool last month that keeps him at Anfield until 2027.

Now that Salah is unobtainable, Al-Hilal have turned their attention to Fernandes, meaning United may have a fight on their hands to keep hold of their captain.

Bruno Fernandes is priceless to Man United

Earlier this season, Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed that United were running out of cash by the end of 2025.

That would suggest that Ineos would be tempted to accept a nine-figure bid for a 30-year-old player, but the harsh reality is that United need Fernandes more than he needs the club.

READ MORE: Man Utd fans have a lot to say about Bruno Fernandes to Saudi Arabia, ‘indispensable’ claim made

Fernandes has made history at United this season, and with 19 goals and 18 assists he has almost single-handedly carried the team on his back at times this season.

If Ineos decided to cash in on Fernandes, it would be impossible to replace what he does for United both on and off the pitch.