Al Nassr have earmarked Bruno Fernandes as Cristiano Ronaldo’s successor | OneFootball

It has been a disastrous season for Manchester United with the club languishing in eighth place in the Premier League and in danger of missing out on Europe altogether.

New co-owners INEOS are far from impressed and along with the manager Erik ten Hag, a lot of players could be moved on as part of a summer clearout as Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes a revamp and a fresh start.

Raphael Varane has already announced that he is leaving and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could join him as well. To add to that, big-name players like Casemiro and Marcus Rashford could also be sold in the summer.

This season’s top-scorer and the best post-Sir Alex Ferguson signing Bruno Fernandes has also been linked with an exit even though the majority of fans would be devastated if the Portuguese leaves as he is among the few elite players at the club.

Bruno’s future

Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan have all reportedly expressed interest while Saudi clubs are also in the fray but the attacking midfielder is expected to stay after holding discussions with the board.

Talksport have now claimed that while the possibility of a departure in 2024 remains slim, Al Nassr will come back with a mega bid next year.

With Cristiano Ronaldo currently 39, his footballing career is slowly but surely drawing to a close and the cash-rich Saudi Pro League are on the hunt for their next global icon.

The United skipper could fill the void with the Saudi league executives keen to further tap into the Portuguese market when the next international TV rights are auctioned.

“Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a potential future marquee signing for Saudi Arabian clubs, talkSPORT understands.

“The Saudi Pro League has seen a huge influx of talent arrive since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr at the beginning of 2023.

“It’s understood there is a big priority with the 39-year-old entering into his final year to bring in another marquee Portuguese signing.

Al Nassr to come back in 2025

“Manchester United star Fernandes is a target and Al Nassr are a club to watch, but it’s unlikely a deal will happen this summer so a new approach in 2025 may happen.”

While Fernandes’ signature might prove elusive in the upcoming summer window, there is much more confidence surrounding a potential deal for the departing Varane and Casemiro.

United would do well to earn more than half of what they paid for the Brazilian. Saudi clubs can certainly afford it but can INEOS prove to be ruthlessly efficient when it comes to sales as opposed to the incompetent Glazers? Only time will tell.

As for the Portuguese magician, he is the only standout player who deserves to stay as long as possible. But the club will need to match his ambitions sooner rather than later.

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