Manchester United grants Saudis permission to begin Bruno Fernandes speaks as star chooses preferred future club. Is time for a new beginning in my carrier is time to move on is time to say goodbye to my fan 😭💋💋💋💋 at Manchester United said Bruno Fernandez as he closed to signing for Sadie Arabia club alttihad as he want to be closer to CR7 after their EROU2024 EXIT
TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal that Bruno Fernandes has been given permission to explore the proposal presented by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The initial approach for Fernandes occurred in November 2023, as previously reported by TEAMtalk. In recent months, the PIF and Saudi officials have become more persistent in their efforts.
Sources informed TEAMtalk on Friday that two Saudi teams, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, are interested in Fernandes.
In another meeting held a few weeks ago, both clubs outlined their plans, projects, and the potential role Fernandes would play in their squads.
Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, along with two other Saudi Pro League teams, are directly owned by the PIF.
Ahead of the next meeting after Euro 2024, it was revealed that Fernandes favors the Al Nassr option, mainly because it offers him the opportunity to play alongside his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he has reportedly reconciled.
Currently, Al Nassr leads the race for the Portuguese star and aims to convince him to join their project over Al Ittihad.
Al Ittihad, based in Jeddah and soon to be managed by Stefano Pioli, has attracted stars like Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kante. The club was in financial turmoil before the PIF took control.
Al Nassr has finished as Saudi Pro League runners-up for the past two seasons, despite signing Ronaldo to chase their tenth top-flight title. They have also added Sadio Mane, Otavio, Aymeric Laporte, and Portuguese coach Luís Castro to their ranks.
Despite Fernandes’ earlier inclination to stay at Manchester United, there is now cautious optimism about securing his move to Saudi Arabia. The PIF has presented a lucrative contract offer that United cannot match.
The PIF strategy involves securing the player’s commitment before negotiating with the club. They are prepared to offer substantial sums to persuade both the player and United.
If Fernandes agrees, negotiations with United will commence, even though the club is currently reluctant to let him go. However, a substantial offer is being prepared to make United reconsider, though no contact between the clubs has occurred yet. The talks will only begin after a full agreement with Fernandes.
