JAKARTA - Al Nassr has once again caused a stir by trying to persuade Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to move to the Middle East.
Al Nassr is currently gathering players for the Portuguese national team. After retaining star and national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo on a lucrative contract and signing Otavia, Al Nassr has brought in another Portuguese player, Joao Felix, from Chelsea.
Successfully acquiring Felix, Al Nassr is now pursuing Fernandes, a key player in Portugal's midfield. Fernandes had actually been targeted by Al Ahli.
The Manchester United captain's agent even flew to Riyadh to negotiate with the Saudi Arabian Premier League club. The deal reportedly offered Fernandes a contract worth £200 million.
However, Fernandes ultimately rejected the offer. Manchester United refused to let the player go despite receiving a lucrative transfer offer. Furthermore, manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Fernandes remains a key part of the Red Devils' plans.
Now, Manchester United is again tempted to sell Fernandes. Al Nassr hopes to unite Fernandes with Ronaldo, Felix, and Otavia. They are also managed by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.
This offer certainly excited Manchester United fans. The offer was received just before the start of the English Premier League season, when Manchester United visited the Emirates Stadium to face arch-rivals Arsenal.
Fernandes had already stated his commitment not to leave Manchester United when he received the offer from Al Hilal.
"It would have been easy to move because there [at Al Hilal] are my close friends, Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo," Fernandes said, as quoted by Mail Online.
"But I want to play at the highest level. I want to play in the best competitions. And I still have the ability," he said.
Fernandes also stated that Amorim did not want him to leave Manchester United. "I've spoken to the manager. He doesn't want me to leave. Manchester United doesn't want to sell me because they don't need the money. But if I were to leave, they would be open to selling me," Fernandes said.
If Fernandes were to be retained, Manchester United would have to let go of Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia. They were also not taken by Amorim on the pre-season tour of the United States.
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