Al-Nassr Plan Shock Raid on Manchester United for Portuguese Link-Up With Ronaldo

Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a fresh blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr emerging as the latest side looking to land the Manchester United captain in what would be one of the most sensational summer transfers yet.

Just weeks after United boss Ruben Amorim convinced Fernandes to reject a £200million proposal from Al-Hilal, reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola claim Al-Nassr — led by Cristiano Ronaldo and newly signed Joao Felix — are preparing to make their move.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr’s new head coach and the man who handed Fernandes his Sporting Lisbon debut back in 2017, is believed to be pushing for a reunion with the playmaker, hoping to form a formidable Portuguese core in Riyadh.

"It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there (at Al-Hilal), two people I have a great friendship with," Fernandes said earlier this summer when confirming his decision to remain at United as per Daily Mail.

"But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable."

Despite Fernandes’ apparent desire to remain in Europe, Al-Nassr’s interest is intensifying — and with their strong Portuguese connections and ambition to dominate the Saudi Pro League and Asian football, the temptation may grow.

Jorge Jesus, who recently took charge at Al-Nassr, is wasting no time in shaping the squad around talent he knows well. With Fernandes, he sees not just a player, but a leader and proven performer who can elevate the club to continental dominance.

Should the move materialize, Fernandes would join up with national teammates Ronaldo, Otavio, and now Joao Felix — the latter having signed for Al-Nassr this week for an initial £26million from Chelsea, potentially rising to £43m.

United fans, however, would be stunned to see their captain exit just weeks before the new Premier League campaign kicks off against Arsenal. Fernandes' departure would leave a massive void in an already vulnerable squad reeling from a historically poor 2024/25 season.

Ruben Amorim's debut campaign at Old Trafford saw the Red Devils slump to a shocking 15th-place Premier League finish — their worst in history — and fall short in the Europa League final with a 1-0 loss to Tottenham.

Club officials have scrambled to bolster the squad with major signings like Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha, both arriving for around £70m each.

The rebuild continues with Manchester United reportedly eyeing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, in a potential swap deal involving Rasmus Hojlund. But finances remain tight, and United must offload players before greenlighting more incoming transfers.

"There was an opportunity. The president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me," Fernandes admitted in June.

"I spoke to coach Amorim and he asked me not to go. 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."

With Marcus Rashford already completing a high-profile move to Barcelona, United are also working to offload Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia — none of whom are currently on the club’s pre-season tour of America.

Antony has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and clubs in Saudi Arabia, while Sancho is reportedly on Juventus’ radar. Garnacho is said to have made Chelsea his “priority,” though a formal bid depends on the Blues balancing their books.