Update on Bruno Fernandes: Saudi giants are pursuing Manchester United's star, who wants to stay but feels disheartened.
On 23 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Ben Jacobs, a well-known journalist from talkSPORT, reported that Al Ittihad is one of three Saudi clubs considering making a move for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes this summer.
Previously, the Jeddah-based club had contacted Bruno last summer, along with Al Hilal and Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo's team. The Portuguese player has a €60 million release clause for clubs outside the Premier League.
Sources from Manchester United confirmed clearly that the club wants to keep Bruno and still sees him as a key figure in their long-term plans.
However, in an interview with Canal 11 in December, Bruno admitted he felt "pain" because he sensed the club was trying to push him toward playing in Saudi Arabia.
Reports indicate Bruno had agreed on a weekly wage of about £700,000 with a Saudi club but ultimately decided the timing was not right for a transfer, considering both his career path and family matters.
Despite this, the Saudi negotiators have not given up and continue talks to sign him this summer. Sources close to the player confirm Bruno will not decide his future until after the World Cup concludes.
Meanwhile, executives from the Saudi Pro League are not worried by reports that Bruno wants to continue playing in Europe first and still believe there is a chance to finalize a deal for him eventually.
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