Bruno Fernandes wanted by Saudi Pro League clubs as Fabrizio Romano reveals 'crazy' offer for Man Utd star

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has received interest from Saudi Arabia, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 2023 summer transfer window has been marked by several big names making a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Indeed, the likes of Ruben Neves, Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino are all plying their trade in Saudi Arabia after receiving lucrative offers.

While more are expected to follow, including Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez, it appears United midfielder Fernandes has become one of several players to have turned down a big-money offer from the Gulf nation.

Speaking to The United Stand, transfer guru Romano said: "A few months ago, at the end of May, some Saudi clubs approached Bruno Fernandes for crazy money.

"The idea of Bruno has always been the same - no way. He wants to stay at Manchester United and win at Manchester United.

"He feels that now finally the project at Manchester United is going to the next step. He deserves to be a really important player in every single point of view, including the captaincy, for United."

Fernandes to inherit United captaincy?

On Sunday it emerged that Erik ten Hag had stripped Harry Maguire of the United captaincy.

The England international retained the arm-band last season despite making just 16 Premier League appearances. However, the move to relieve the 30-year-old of his captaincy duties comes with United willing to listen to offers for the player.

Fernandes is expected to inherit the role from Maguire having filled in as skipper on several occasions last season.

On the situation Romano said: "I think for Erik ten Hag it's crucial to have a captain who is always on the pitch; a captain who can help the squad in every game. This is really important."

He added: "The idea of Manchester United and Erik ten Hag is to have a captain that's always on the pitch, which is why I'm hearing Bruno Fernandes is the bid candidate to become the new permanent captain. Let's see what Erik ten Hag will communicate to the squad but Bruno is the big candidate to become the new captain."

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Bruno Fernandes, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.