Fernandes has confirmed he was close to moving to Saudi Arabia during the summer, claiming that United wanted him to leave but talks with his family and head coach Ruben Amorim saw him stay put.
Al-Hilal were understood to be willing to pay £100million for Fernandes, offering the midfielder wages of up to £700,000 a week, but resisted the move despite pressure from above which left him “hurt”.
Bruno Fernandes’ time at Old Trafford appears set to end sooner rather than later, with the midfielder entering the final 18 months of his Manchester United contract in January. He has already revealed three dream destinations—none of which include Saudi Arabia.
“I would like to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy,” Fernandes told Canal 11. “I have many connections to Italy… my daughter was born there.
“I’ve also thought about returning to Portugal… the first option would be Sporting. To be happy, like it was with Sporting. But I don’t want to ruin the image that was left.”
“But I don’t want to drag myself there, I want to add to it. And even try district football, at an advanced age. You play in the district for love, you feel different. I have friends in the district.”
Fernandes played for three teams in Italy – Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria – during the early years of his career, before returning to Portugal with Sporting, where he rose to prominence. He joined United in January 2020.