Overview

• Fernandes said he stayed because he wanted to and the club wanted him to remain, rejecting claims he stayed to protect World Cup selection.
• He described a move to Saudi Arabia as an impossible scenario to imagine, noting it has not been discussed with him and that his focus is on Portugal duty.
• Reports detail strong Saudi interest last summer, including talk of a £100m fee and a massive salary offer, which he ultimately turned down.
• Romano reiterated that nothing is agreed for 2026, though he and other reports indicate Saudi clubs could revisit the pursuit in upcoming windows.
• With a contract running to 2027, United retain leverage as media speculate on potential valuations, from suggestions of a £100m offer being considered to separate reports linking Bayern Munich and Real Madrid with monitoring or possible bids.