Manchester United are reportedly “baffled” by renewed attempts from the Saudi Pro League to lure club captain Bruno Fernandes away from Old Trafford.
According to reports, Al-Ittihad are preparing a blockbuster contract worth £33 million ($45m) per year to convince the Portuguese midfielder to make the switch to the Middle East.
Fernandes, 30, already turned down interest from Al-Hilal earlier in the summer, insisting he wanted to continue chasing his ambitions at United. However, with the transfer window set to close on September 1, Al-Ittihad have now stepped up their pursuit of the playmaker.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United chiefs have no intention of selling Fernandes, whose contract runs until 2027, and are puzzled by Saudi Arabia’s persistence in targeting a player they view as untouchable.
This season, Fernandes has been deployed in a deeper role under new manager Ruben Amorim, operating alongside Casemiro in United’s 3-4-3 system. The club is also weighing up options to further strengthen their midfield before deadline day, although their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba cooled after learning of his hefty price tag.
United endured a frustrating start to their Premier League campaign, falling 2-1 to Arsenal at Old Trafford. Amorim’s men will look to bounce back when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
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