Bruno Fernandes’ Al-Hilal transfer snub could come back to bite Man Utd as Saudi club’s alternative target is revealed
BRUNO FERNANDES’ snub of Al-Hilal could come back to bite Manchester United.
The club captain rejected an eye-watering three-year tax-free deal worth £200million to move to Saudi Arabia
Fernandes, 30, has insisted that he wants to remain in Europe and play at the “top level”.
But his decision to remain at Old Trafford could result in a major blow to the club’s transfer plans.
Man United have been repeatedly linked with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen over the last year.
The striker spent last season on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray after falling out with Napoli over a failed transfer last summer.
Al-Hilal could now make a swoop for Osimhen following their rejection by Fernandes.
The Athletic have claimed that the Saudi Pro League outfit are set to “push ahead” with a deal for Osimhen.
The club will have more wages available to offer the forward as they do not have to budget for Fernandes.
Osimhen impressed during his loan spell in Turkey last season with 26 goals in 30 league appearances.
The 26-year-old also added 11 goals in the Europa League and Turkish Cup.
Meanwhile, it is not confirmed that Fernandes will stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer.
Fernandes is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027.
Man United chiefs possess an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.
Manager Ruben Amorim has suggested that Fernandes still has a future at the club.
He said: “I don’t know for sure, nobody knows, but I don’t think so.
“He is seeing us taking some actions to change all the things and I think that is all that he wants to stay.
“He’s saying ‘no’ to a lot of things, but it shows that he wants to win.
“He’s really young, he’s really good. He needs to be in the best league in the world.”
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