Despite lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, Bruno Fernandes remains committed to Manchester United ahead of the 2026 World Cup/ Image Composite: X Bruno Fernandes has turned down a direct and personal transfer request from Cristiano Ronaldo to join Al-Nassr this summer, choosing to stay at Manchester United despite persistent interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. The Portugal midfielder’s decision adds fresh context to Al-Nassr’s broader transfer strategy, with Ronaldo now playing a central role in recruiting talent, including Mason Greenwood and João Félix, ahead of the extended Saudi transfer window deadline of September 23.
Fernandes says no, despite Ronaldo’s personal appeal
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes had rejected three separate approaches from Saudi Arabian clubs this summer, including a direct call from Cristiano Ronaldo, as reported by talkSPORT. The Portuguese duo share a strong history at Old Trafford, having played together in over 50 matches across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns, before Ronaldo’s departure in November 2022. Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo now wields considerable influence over transfers, had hoped to reunite the Portuguese duo in Riyadh. Fernandes, however, remains committed to United, at least for the 2025/26 season. The most notable of these efforts was an informal approach made by Ronaldo himself in late July 2025, urging Fernandes to join him at Al-Nassr. But the 30-year-old midfielder reiterated his intention to stay in Europe through the 2026 World Cup, which he sees as a potentially final tournament appearance at the international level. While Al-Nassr weren’t the only suitors, with talkSPORT confirming interest from clubs like Al Hilal, Fernandes’ decision has been unwavering. His agent Miguel Pinho reportedly flew to Saudi Arabia for a week of meetings, and Al Hilal were prepared to offer over £80 million if given the green light. Still, Fernandes declined to initiate negotiations. Importantly, Manchester United have denied any release clause of £60 million in Fernandes’ contract, which runs until 2027. The club still considers him central to Ruben Amorim’s vision, despite recent mixed form on the pitch.
Ronaldo’s transfer influence grows at Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo’s clout at Al-Nassr has grown significantly since his contract renewal through 2027, giving him enhanced authority over the club’s recruitment policy. This influence already materialised in the signing of João Félix this summer in a deal worth up to £43.7 million, following the premature departure of Jhon Durán, who failed to build chemistry with Ronaldo. Ronaldo had envisioned a Portuguese attacking trio at Al-Nassr ,with himself, Félix, and Fernandes, but that ambition remains partially unfulfilled after Fernandes’ rejection. According to talkSPORT and other reports, Ronaldo had taken the initiative personally, rather than leaving the move to club officials. Despite the failure to sign Fernandes this summer, CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs noted that a transfer in summer 2026 remains a possibility. Fernandes himself has acknowledged the door isn’t closed, stating: “There is an opportunity [to leave Manchester United next summer].” With his contract expiring in 2027, next summer may be United’s last viable chance to secure a major fee for Fernandes, particularly if they pursue high-cost signings like Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who could command over £100 million.
Saudi transfer window strategy, and why time is on their side
Unlike Europe, where transfer windows closed on September 1, Saudi Pro League clubs have until September 23 to finalise deals. This staggered timeline gives Saudi clubs a strategic edge: they can move for players once European squads have finalised their lineups and resolved internal depth charts. This extra time creates a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to:
- Target surplus or unsettled players
- Exploit clubs needing to trim wage bills
- Act as a late-stage fallback for players seeking competitive football
This tactic is especially appealing for players and clubs facing early-season struggles or injury crises. In Fernandes’ case, however, even this extended window hasn’t been enough to change his stance, though negotiators are expected to try again next year.
Greenwood next? Ronaldo’s eyes on former united teammate
While the Fernandes pursuit failed, Cristiano Ronaldo remains focused attention to Mason Greenwood, who is currently enjoying a resurgence at Olympique de Marseille. According to Diario Sport and several other reports, Ronaldo is personally advocating for Greenwood’s transfer to Al-Nassr before the September 23 deadline. Greenwood, now 23, had previously rejected Saudi overtures in 2024, but Ronaldo’s direct involvement may alter the dynamic. The two were teammates during the 2021/22 season, appearing together 17 times in the Premier League and Champions League. Ronaldo is said to be impressed by Greenwood’s ambidexterity and finishing instincts, qualities that Al-Nassr now desperately need. Al-Nassr’s urgency stems from underwhelming recent campaigns. Despite Ronaldo winning the Golden Boot for two consecutive seasons, the club finished third in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League, 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad. Their struggles in both the domestic league and AFC Champions League have fuelled Ronaldo’s demand for reinforcements. His contract renewal was a strategic decision, not just personal, an affirmation of his desire to win silverware before retirement. To that end, players like Greenwood are being pursued not out of nostalgia, but necessity.
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