Bruno Fernandes on Al Nassr radar as Saudi giants step up pursuit
In a significant development, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr has opened discussions with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and appears determined to sign the United skipper. In a bid to strengthen their chances of winning the Saudi Pro League title, the club are keen to have Fernandes and are willing to break the bank to make him their marquee addition.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr in 2023, they have managed to sign top names such as Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Mohamed Simaken. Al Nassr ended their Saudi Pro League 2024-25 campaign in the third spot, behind Al Ittihad and Al-Hilal. Al Ittihad emerged as champions, while Al Hilal finished as runners-up. Heading into a new season, Al Nassr are keen to win the title as they look determined in making valuable additions to their squad, targeting some high-quality talents from European football.
🚨 Al Nassr want to sign Bruno Fernandes this summer, and initial contacts have taken place in the last few hours. Money is not a problem for the club.
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 1, 2025
— @abolapt pic.twitter.com/NjQvfLdeB6
Earlier in the summer, reports emerged that United were willing to let Bruno leave after Al Nassr approached the midfielder; however, Fernandes chose to stay after engaging in talks with Ruben Amorim.
"The [Al Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me.” Bruno had said.
"I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go.
"I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team, we have a great friendship," Fernandes added.
"But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions. and I feel capable of it."
Bruno Fernandes appeared in all pre-season encounters for Manchester United
The recent development of Al Nassr holding discussions with the midfielder might not lead to a positive outcome, especially as we approach the end of the transfer window. The Manchester United skipper has played all the pre-season friendlies so far, and Ruben Amorim seems pretty confident of building his team around Bruno’s captaincy.
Bruno Fernandes made 57 appearances in total for Manchester United last season, netting 19 goals and as many assists. As for the Premier League, he has scored eight goals and 11 assists in 36 appearances.
