Jorge Jesus eyes Bruno Fernandes as Al-Nassr’s next big signing
Al-Nassr have opened negotiations to sign Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United, with head coach Jorge Jesus leading the effort to land the Portuguese international in what could be one of the most dramatic transfers of the summer window.
According to sources close to the talks, the Saudi Pro League club has made initial contact with the player, gauging his interest before advancing to formal negotiations with United. The move would reunite Fernandes with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, further reinforcing Al-Nassr’s growing Portuguese core.
Al-Nassr Ready to Break the Bank for Fernandes
While Transfermarkt currently values Bruno Fernandes at €50 million, Al-Nassr is reportedly prepared to exceed that figure significantly. The Saudi club has no financial constraints, and insiders suggest the final offer could far surpass that benchmark.
Earlier this year, Al-Hilal had attempted to sign Fernandes with a record-breaking offer of €70 million per year over five years, alongside a €120 million transfer fee to Manchester United. The midfielder ultimately turned down that proposal, emphasizing his commitment to Old Trafford at the time.
However, Al-Nassr believes that the presence of Jorge Jesus, who coached Fernandes at Sporting CP, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a close friend and national team colleague, could sway the midfielder’s decision this time around.
Key Figures Driving the Deal
Jorge Jesus sees Fernandes as the cornerstone of his tactical plans and has made the 29-year-old his top priority for the summer window. The move is part of Al-Nassr’s broader strategy to challenge domestically and in the AFC Champions League, following their high-profile signing of João Félix
Sources say that Thursday marked a turning point in the potential deal, with Jesus making direct appeals to the player. If Fernandes signals interest, formal discussions with Manchester United could begin as early as next week.
Manchester United Faces Pressure to Decide
Though Fernandes remains a central figure under Erik ten Hag, internal shifts at Manchester United and a potential midfield overhaul could leave room for negotiation. United’s willingness to entertain a deal may hinge on their ability to secure a replacement and assess the long-term direction under INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United manager Ruben Amorim, who succeeded Jorge Jesus at Sporting, is said to be determined to keep Fernandes, but a transformative offer from Saudi Arabia could test the Premier League club’s resolve.
Al-Nassr Continues Saudi Spending Spree
Al-Nassr’s pursuit of Fernandes is part of a broader Saudi initiative to elevate the league’s international profile through high-impact signings. Should the transfer materialize, it would represent another headline-grabbing addition to the Saudi Pro League and a symbolic coup over European football’s elite.
With the transfer window in full swing, all eyes are now on Bruno Fernandes and whether Jorge Jesus can complete one of the most ambitious moves of the summer.
