Bruno Fernandes transfer could shape Manchester United’s rebuild strategy

Manchester United weigh £100 million Bruno Fernandes offer

Manchester United are considering a £100 million transfer offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The decision could significantly impact the club’s rebuild under manager Ruben Amorim, with a potential sale opening the door for squad reinforcements ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Fernandes, 30, remains Manchester United’s most consistent performer. Despite the team’s struggles in the 2024–25 campaign, he delivered 19 goals and 18 assists and played a pivotal role in their run to the Europa League final. United lost that final to Tottenham Hotspur and missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification, creating a reported £80 million to £100 million shortfall in revenue.

Also read: Al-Hilal confident of £100m Bruno Fernandes capture as Man Utd face financial pressure

With Al Hilal’s offer potentially covering that gap, United must now evaluate whether retaining Fernandes outweighs the financial and strategic benefits of a major sale.

Rebuilding options and transfer market history

United’s potential sale of Fernandes could mirror past rebuild efforts by other Premier League clubs. Liverpool’s sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in 2018 for £145 million allowed the club to sign Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, leading to immediate improvements and eventual European and domestic success.

In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur’s 2013 sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid yielded £85 million but saw the funds spread across seven signings. Only Christian Eriksen emerged as a long-term contributor, while the rest failed to deliver lasting impact.

Manchester United’s recent transfer record presents challenges. Outside of Fernandes, major signings have largely underperformed. That has cast doubt on whether the club’s recruitment staff can successfully reinvest funds if Fernandes is sold. Amorim is reportedly prioritizing the sale of players such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, but expected fees are unlikely to match the figure offered for Fernandes.

Sancho is expected to complete a £25 million move to Chelsea this month, while Rashford and Antony’s markets remain uncertain.

Also read: Top 5 most expensive Manchester United and Spurs players in the squad, and why they matter in Europa League final

Future outlook for Fernandes and United

Fernandes signed a contract extension last August that runs through 2027, giving Manchester United the option to reject all offers. However, should the player express a desire to leave, the club may be forced to proceed with a transfer.

Al Hilal’s interest comes ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, adding urgency to negotiations. United will have to determine whether Fernandes is central to their future or if his departure can catalyze a more balanced rebuild.

Reports suggest Amorim requires reinforcements at goalkeeper, right back, central midfield, and attacking midfield. Addressing those needs through one significant sale could provide the resources necessary to elevate the team from mid-table status.

The club must now decide whether to follow a model of reinvestment success, as seen at Liverpool, or risk repeating missteps similar to those made by Tottenham.