Overview

• The United captain turned down three approaches from PIF-backed teams after family discussions, opting to remain in Europe in a World Cup year.
• Al-Hilal led the pursuit and were prepared to pay over £80 million if he agreed to move, with all parties denying the existence of a £60 million release clause.
• Al-Nassr made an informal approach that included a personal call from Cristiano Ronaldo, which Fernandes rejected after saying he would stay for at least another year.
• Al-Ittihad also contacted the player but were constrained by a full foreign-player quota, and Saudi clubs treated 1 September as a practical cutoff for moves from Europe.
• Reporting indicates he remains open to a switch in summer 2026, and Manchester United may consider a sale then to help fund midfield targets such as Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.