Despite a record-breaking season, the 31-year-old maestro could be sold this summer to fund moves for Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.
Manchester United are facing a historic crossroads regarding the future of their talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes. While the Portuguese international is currently enjoying one of his finest campaigns at Old Trafford, an explosive report from Caught Offside suggests the club’s hierarchy is internally debating “cashing in” on the 31-year-old this summer.
The logic behind this potential “sacrifice” is purely financial. INEOS is reportedly planning a total overhaul of United’s midfield, with Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) all on the radar. With each player valued near the £100 million mark, United need a significant “war chest” to fund their recruitment strategy.
The £57m Clause: A Gift for PSG and Bayern?
While Al-Hilal remains interested in a big-money raid from the Saudi Pro League, a specific detail in Fernandes’s contract has put Europe’s elite on red alert.
The maestro has a £57 million release clause applicable only to clubs outside of England. For PSG and Bayern Munich, landing a player of Bruno’s caliber for under £60m is seen as a bargain, even as he approaches 32. If a European heavyweight triggers this clause, the decision rests entirely with Fernandes, leaving United powerless.
Bruno Fernandes: 2025/26 Season Stats
United’s “Beating Heart” continues to produce elite numbers, making the prospect of his departure even more polarising:
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Min. Played |
| Premier League | 17 | 6 | 12 | 1,477′ |
| Cup Competitions | 1 | 0 | 1 | 45′ |
| TOTAL | 18 | 6 | 13 | 1,522′ |
Note: Fernandes is currently chasing the Premier League assist record (20) jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
The “Ambivalence” That Hurt the Captain
The relationship between Fernandes and the club’s leadership has shown signs of strain. In a revealing interview last December, the captain admitted he felt the “club wanted me to go” during the previous summer’s interest from Saudi Arabia, but lacked the “courage” to push the deal through.
With his contract technically expiring in 2027 (including extensions), this summer represents United’s last chance to command a significant fee for their No. 10.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
