Manchester United have initiated urgent contract discussions with captain Bruno Fernandes as the club hierarchy attempts to ring-fence their most valuable asset ahead of a predicted summer siege from the Saudi Pro League. Reports from the Daily Express confirm that the Red Devils are moving to restructure the midfielder's deal to eliminate a release clause that has alerted the Middle East’s biggest spenders.
The ÂŁ57m Loophole
While Fernandes remains contracted to Old Trafford until 2027, sources indicate that his current deal—signed in 2024—contains a specific release clause valid for non-Premier League clubs, believed to be set at £57m (€60m). This figure, while substantial for a 31-year-old, is considered a bargain by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), who have placed Fernandes on a 50-man "priority list" for the post-World Cup transfer window alongside Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Jr.
With Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr both preparing proposals that would dwarf his current salary, United’s sporting director Jason Wilcox is keen to agree fresh terms that would likely remove or significantly increase this buyout figure, ensuring United control the narrative this summer.
Carrick’s Reliance on the Captain
The timing of the talks is also a show of faith from the current regime. Interim manager Michael Carrick has leaned heavily on Fernandes since taking charge following the departure of Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese playmaker delivering five goals and nine assists to drag United to within a point of the top four.
Carrick has privately stressed that losing Casemiro (who is set to depart on a free) and Fernandes in the same window would be catastrophic for the squad’s leadership group. Securing Fernandes’ future is viewed as the first pillar of the club's stability plan ahead of the next permanent managerial appointment.
Player Stance: 'Hurt' but Committed?
Fernandes’ position remains complex. He publicly admitted to feeling "hurt" by the club’s willingness to listen to offers last summer, a sentiment that nearly pushed him toward the exit. However, his form under Carrick suggests a renewed focus.
The Bruno Fernandes next club odds currently favour a stay at Old Trafford, but the market has seen a slight drift following the news of the concerted Saudi push. If United cannot agree on terms that reflect his status as the club's undisputed talisman, the lure of a final, mammoth payday in the Gulf—and a reunion with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo—may prove difficult to resist.