Bruno Fernandes turned down Al Hilal offer to stay at Man United
Bruno Fernandes will stay at Manchester United amid revelation that he turned down an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
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Bruno Fernandez turned down Al Hilal offer
Al Hilal explored a deal for the Portugal midfielder as they aimed to make a marquee signing before the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, Fernandes said he wanted to stay at the highest level and play in “big competitions” despite Al Hilal’s “ambitious offer.”
“I will respond and ask that you not ask me about this anymore,” Fernandes said ahead of Portugal’s Nations League semifinal with Germany on Wednesday.
“There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about it. I took some time to think about the future. As I have always said, I would be willing, if Man United thought so. I spoke to coach Ruben Amorim, who, throughout this period, urged me not to go.”
“The club [United] said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave, that it was not a financial issue. It was a very ambitious proposal.”
How ambitious was the offer?
ESPN reported that Al Hilal were willing to pay around £100 million ($135m) for Fernandes and put together a wage package that would have significantly increased his salary.
However, the 30-year-old has decided stay at Old Trafford, where he is under contract until 2027.
“The president was a spectacular person, we never talked about money [initially],” Fernandes added. “With my agent, of course. Then I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career. She has always been very supportive. It was an easy change, even on a family level.
“[Al Hilal’s Portuguese defender] João Cancelo was there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We’re great friends. But I want to stay at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of doing that.”
Fernandes scored 19 goals and made 57 appearances in all competitions last season.
