Overview

• Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad pursued the Manchester United captain, with Al-Hilal prepared to pay over £80 million if he agreed.
• Agent Miguel Pinho spent a week in Saudi Arabia for meetings with Al-Hilal, yet no approach was made to United without Fernandes first giving the green light.
• Cristiano Ronaldo, now involved in Al-Nassr recruitment, made a late-July pitch that Fernandes personally declined.
• All sides denied claims of a £60 million release clause, and Al-Ittihad’s interest was constrained by a full foreign-player quota.
• Saudi dealmakers are planning a renewed push in 2026, and reports suggest United could consider offers next summer as they weigh midfield targets such as Carlos Baleba.