United star Fernandes' sparkling season attracts Saudi interest; coach Amorim insists midfielder 'not going anywhere'

Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs have been signing some of the biggest names in the world of football in recent years, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to join Al-Nassr after parting ways with Manchester United leading to a wave of arrivals from top European clubs – from Neymar and Karim Benzema to former Liverpool teammates Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

Current SPL champions Al Hilal, who are also the most successful team in Saudi top-flight history with 19 titles, currently have their eyes set on Manchester United midfielder and captain Bruno Fernandes, describing the Portuguese star as “one of the top players in the world”.

Fernandes has been a key member of the United setup since joining the side Portuguese club Sporting CP in January 2020. He was appointed club captain ahead of the 2023-24 season and has held the position ever since.

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The 30-year-old reiterated his importance for the club with a brace in their 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals last week. And he has scored 19 goals and claiming 18 assists for the club so far this season.

It is that form that has led to an offer of handsome salary from Al Hilal, who are eager to make the most of his form in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup that takes place in the United States in the months of June and July.

Should Fernandes accept the offer, he will be reunited with Portugal teammates Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, the former having represented some of the biggest European clubs including Manchester City and Juventus along with loan stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Fernandes ““not going anywhere”: United boss Amorim

United boss Amorim, however, is in no mood to part ways with Fernandes – who has also been linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid besides Al Hilal – just yet despite the fact that his departure could lead to a cash windfall necessary for the club to make high-profile signings later this summer.

The Portuguese coach, who was in charge of Fernandes former club Sporting before his move to England in November, has insisted the midfielder is “not going anywhere”.

“I think it is easy to understand (his importance) – not just because of the numbers but the way he plays, the importance that he has during his five years here,” Amorim said at a press-conference on Wednesday ahead of United’s second-leg clash against Bilbao in the Europa League semis, which they ended up winning 4-1 to advance to the final.

“He is a top player, we need top players. He is a leader, he’s the captain, so he’s really important. It’s normal that a lot of clubs want a player like Bruno, like (Alejandro) Garnacho, like others.

“But we want to keep the best players and Bruno is clearly one of the top players in the world, so our idea didn’t change. We want Bruno here,” he added.

Besides Fernandes, United academy product Alejandro Garnacho is speculated to leave the club at the end of the season. The 28-year-old Argentina international, however, insisted he’s happy at United for now with his contract set to run till 2028.

“Obviously as a footballer you are always going to read and listen to some rumours about the future,” Argentina international Garnacho, speaking alongside Amorim, said Wednesday.

“But I have a contract here until 2028, so I’m happy here.”