Manchester United in talks with Bruno Fernandes over new contract
Manchester United have opened preliminary talks with Bruno Fernandes over a new contract as they attempt to secure the future of their influential captain, reports BritPanorama.
The 31-year-old has entered the final 10 months of his £220,000-a-week deal, although the Red Devils retain the option to extend his stay by another year. Club officials remain determined to keep Fernandes despite renewed interest from several major European clubs and hope to reach an agreement before the end of 2026.
According to the Daily Mail, initial discussions have already taken place between United and the Portugal international’s representatives over fresh terms at Old Trafford. Fernandes demonstrated his importance during Sunday’s emphatic 5-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town, scoring a hat-trick and supplying the assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, solidifying his status after being named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.
Fernandes set a Premier League record last season with 21 assists and has consistently shown no sign of losing his influence at Old Trafford. However, uncertainty surrounding his contract has encouraged other clubs to monitor his situation. Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to offer Fernandes a four-year deal worth twice his current United salary, alongside a £3.5 million signing-on fee.
Italian heavyweights Juventus and AC Milan are also believed to be interested, although the £56.7 million release clause previously contained in Fernandes’ contract expired in July. United will hope that negotiations prevent another summer of intense speculation over their captain’s future.
Fernandes came close to joining Al-Hilal last year after his agent, Miguel Pinho, travelled to Riyadh for discussions with the Saudi Pro League club. Al-Hilal were prepared to hand the midfielder a three-year contract worth approximately £200 million while offering United a transfer fee of £100 million.
Fernandes ultimately rejected this extraordinary proposal and stayed in Manchester but later admitted to feeling “hurt” after learning United had been willing to accept the offer. Despite this, he has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the club, contributing 110 goals and 109 assists across 329 appearances since joining in January 2020.
He recently expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford, stating, “For me, it’s about being the best I can to keep myself playing with the best – and playing with the best is playing in the Premier League and playing for Man United.” Fernandes added, “The goals and everything that are set to my season every year is always the same. I don’t change, and it doesn’t change by being here for a longer period or a smaller one.”
With the current negotiations underway, Manchester United aims to avoid another period of speculation surrounding Fernandes’ future, a reminder of the precarious balance between club loyalty and ambition in today’s football landscape.
