Bruno Fernandes is reportedly "ready" for the FA Cup final to be his final game for Manchester United amid links with Saudi Arabia.
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Fernandes might leave OTFA Cup final could be his 'swansong'Middle East emerges as possible destinationWHAT HAPPENED?
According to Fernandes is contemplating making the FA Cup title decider against eternal rivals Manchester City his "swansong" after spending four-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford. Amidst these rumours, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr has emerged as a potential destination for Fernandes, with other Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad also said to be interested in securing his services.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Fernandes has hinted at the possibility of a departure from United, insisting he will make a final decision on his future after Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign. This revelation came just a day after reports surfaced indicating the club's willingness to offload a significant portion of their squad during a summer overhaul.
Despite United's challenging season, Fernandes has been a standout performer, contributing 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. He is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, with an option for a further 12 months.
WHAT FERNANDES SAID
"I’m not thinking about other things at the moment," he told earlier in May.
"Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides. I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.
"So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment."
CASEMIRO ALSO ON SAUDI LIST
According to The Telegraph, Casemiro's future at Manchester United is also uncertain. The Brazilian midfielder has faced criticism for his recent performances, particularly after being deployed as a makeshift centre-back during the club's injury crisis, which has encouraged Saudi Arabia to up their ante for him.
The Pro League authorities are gearing up to make 10 high-profile signings in the next transfer window and have already reached out to Casemiro's entourage for a potential transfer, with the report stating that Fernandes is also on their list. The overseas player quota in the SPL has already been hiked to 10 – a clear indication of their ambitions to lure the brightest talents and establish itself as one of the best leagues in the world.