Bruno Fernandes declined multiple offers from Saudi Arabian clubs during the transfer window, including personal contact from former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United skipper received approaches from three Public Investment Fund-controlled teams over the summer months.
Ronaldo, who has taken on recruitment responsibilities at Al-Nassr following his contract renewal, personally reached out to the Portuguese midfielder in late July.
The 30-year-old communicated his intention to remain in European football for another year directly to his international colleague.
Bruno Fernandes had been asked by Cristiano Ronaldo to join him in Saudi Arabia
|REUTERS
Al-Hilal initiated the pursuit before the Club World Cup, whilst Al-Ittihad made contact approximately two weeks prior to the British transfer deadline on 1 September.
Miguel Pinho, representing Fernandes, travelled to Saudi Arabia for extensive negotiations lasting a week with Al-Hilal officials.
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The Saudi club prepared to offer more than £80 million for the midfielder's services, though they never formally approached Manchester United.
The Portuguese international found himself attracted to the proposal but ultimately chose to complete another campaign at Old Trafford after consulting his family.
Despite rejecting Al-Hilal and communicating his decision to stay to Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, Saudi dealmakers continue planning to secure Fernandes's signature for the 2026 transfer window.
The midfielder's decision to reject Saudi interest stems from his desire to participate in what could be his final World Cup tournament.
With the global competition approaching, Fernandes determined that remaining in Europe would best serve his international ambitions.
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Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Saudi Arabia in an infamous bust-up at the end of 2022
|REUTERS
Saudi champions Al-Ittihad became the third club to pursue the United captain, making their approach despite having no available foreign player slots.
The club's acquisition of Braga's Roger Fernandes, a 19-year-old winger who qualifies for their Under-21 quota, highlighted their roster constraints.
Speculation surrounded potential departures of Fabinho or N'Golo Kante from Al-Ittihad to create space, but neither player has left the Saudi champions.
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| REUTERSManchester United may consider accepting an offer for their captain next summer, with the potential sale helping to finance an ambitious bid for Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
The Cameroonian midfielder would command a fee exceeding £100 million, making Fernandes's departure a possible necessity for funding such a transfer.
Ruben Amorim wanted Bruno Fernandes to stay
| ReutersDuring June's international break, Fernandes acknowledged the Saudi interest, stating: "There was an opportunity.
"The [Al Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me."
He revealed that Portugal manager Ruben Amorim urged him to decline the move, adding: "Manchester United didn't want to sell me. They don't need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen."