Bruno Fernandes Considering Future Move to Saudi Arabia or MLS After 2026

Bruno Fernandes has been at the heart of Manchester United since his arrival in January 2020. The Portuguese midfielder, who now captains the club, has often been seen as the player United turn to when moments of inspiration are needed. But according to a report from the Daily Mail, Fernandes may be preparing for a different kind of future once the 2025–26 season comes to an end.

The 29-year-old is reportedly open to a move away from Old Trafford after that campaign, with options in Major League Soccer, the Saudi Pro League, or another of Europe’s major leagues on the table. The reasoning is said to be simple: Fernandes wants to avoid distractions or upheaval ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he will likely play an important role for Portugal.

Why 2026 is a Key Year

By the summer of 2026, Fernandes will be approaching his 32nd birthday. He will also have just one year remaining on his £280,000-a-week contract with United, though the club holds an option to extend it for a further year. This timeline is crucial for both Fernandes and Manchester United. For the player, it represents a natural point to consider one final major career move. For United, it’s the moment when the decision between cashing in or extending his stay becomes unavoidable.

The Daily Mail notes that United “might be prepared” to listen to offers by then, a stance that is strikingly different from their position earlier this year when Fernandes rejected a lucrative proposal from Al-Hilal. At that time, United made it clear they had no intention of letting their captain leave.

The Saudi Temptation and MLS Attraction

Fernandes has already attracted strong interest from Saudi Arabia. Clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr — the latter home to his international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo — have been linked. The financial incentives are staggering. Reports suggest Fernandes could quadruple his current earnings if he were to move to the Gulf state. That would push his potential wages into the region of £1 million per week, a figure even top European clubs would struggle to match.

The Saudi Pro League has made a clear push in recent years to attract elite European talent, with Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar among the headline arrivals. For Fernandes, the appeal would be both financial and professional. He would have the chance to join a growing league, play alongside global stars, and still compete at a high level without the same weekly intensity demanded by the Premier League.

MLS offers a different kind of attraction. While the financial rewards would likely be smaller than in Saudi Arabia, the chance to live in the United States, play in a fast-growing league, and take on a new cultural experience could be appealing. Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has shown how transformative such a switch can be for both a player and the league itself.

Fernandes’ Value to Manchester United

Since joining from Sporting CP, Fernandes has been central to Manchester United’s progress. He has scored 79 goals and registered 63 assists in 230 appearances across all competitions. His influence extends beyond numbers — he is the player who often dictates United’s tempo, takes responsibility in difficult moments, and drives standards on the pitch.

United’s reliance on Fernandes is reflected in how much he plays. Few players in the squad cover more minutes than the captain, and his durability has been one of his strongest assets. Even during difficult seasons, Fernandes has rarely dipped below a consistent performance level. Losing him, even in two years’ time, would mark the end of a significant chapter.

For now, Fernandes is expected to remain at Old Trafford for the upcoming season. The report suggests a departure this summer is “unlikely,” though that could change if a Saudi club — particularly Al-Ittihad — submits a substantial offer before their transfer window closes on September 10.

It would take a serious financial package to persuade both Fernandes and United at this stage, but the groundwork is being laid for what feels like an inevitable conversation in 2026. United will have to weigh the value of keeping their captain into his mid-30s against the opportunity of securing a large transfer fee before his contract runs out.

For Fernandes, the decision may ultimately come down to timing. At 32, he will still be capable of competing in Europe’s top leagues, but the lure of a lucrative final contract and the chance to experience something different could prove too strong to resist.

Bruno Fernandes has become one of Manchester United’s most important figures in recent years, but football careers are short, and opportunities to make transformative moves do not come often. Whether it is Saudi Arabia’s financial power, MLS’s lifestyle pull, or another European challenge, Fernandes will have options.

For United, the question will not only be whether to keep their captain but also how to prepare for life after him. As history has shown with other club legends, the transition is rarely simple. But with 2026 on the horizon, both Fernandes and United are already looking ahead to a future that could bring major change.