Man Utd to reject any transfer approach for Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United have told clubs they will turn down any offer for captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of next month’s transfer deadline, senior sources at Old Trafford told BBC Sport. Reports say Galatasaray, Juventus and AC Milan have been weighing up potential approaches.
Fernandes scored nine goals and provided a Premier League record 21 assists last season for Manchester United. He remains the club captain and, according to club sources, would prefer to stay at Old Trafford. The Portugal international is 31 years old and has one year left on his current contract, with an option for an additional season.
BBC Sport was told last week that Galatasaray, plus Juventus and AC Milan, were considering whether to test United's resolve. It is thought Galatasaray had a deal they were intending to put to United that would reach a final fee of 50m euros (£42.7m). Those approaches emerged amid increasing transfer activity around the club.
Senior sources at Old Trafford have communicated a clear position that Galatasaray would be wasting their time. Club officials say, as yet, there have been no bids for the 31-year-old. United sources add that Fernandes is not for sale at any price.
Fernandes has one year remaining on his deal and there has been no agreement over an extension. A £57m release clause in his contract has now expired. Club sources say negotiations over a new contract have not been concluded.
Last summer United told Fernandes it was his call whether to accept the mammoth offer put to him by Saudi Pro-League outfit Al-Hilal, and the Portuguese later admitted he felt "hurt" by that stance. This time, club officials say their stance on keeping the captain has been made clear.
United officials noted the enthusiastic reception Fernandes received in Dublin during last week’s pre-season match with Leeds and said supporters would react badly if it was not apparent the club were doing everything possible to retain their talisman. The transfer window deadline is next month, and Fernandes is favourite to be crowned PFA Player of the Year for 2025-26 in Manchester next week.
