According to The Pitch Prospect, Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a potential future top signing for Saudi Arabian clubs.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Al Nassr in early 2023, the Saudi Pro League has seen a huge influx of talent.
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Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 56 goals in 60 appearances and was a major coup for Saudi Arabia by attracting huge interest abroad in the league.
It is understood that bringing in another outstanding Portuguese signing is a big priority for the 39-year-old, who is entering his final year.
Manchester United star Fernandes is a target and Al Nassr is a club to keep an eye on, but a deal is unlikely to happen this summer, so a new approach may be taken in 2025.
Unsurprisingly, Portugal has emerged as one of the biggest TV markets for the Saudi Pro League since Ronaldo’s move.
READ MORE ABOUT CRISTIANO RONALDO
The international TV rights renewal comes in 2025 and league executives are said to be keen to retain Portuguese audiences through a cycle that sees the 39-year-old depart.
It’s not a given that Ronaldo could extend his contract for another year in 2025, but he won’t be there for the next full rights cycle.
There is far more confidence about potential deals for Fernandes’ United midfield team-mate Casemiro as well as centre-back Raphael Varane.
Casemiro is closely linked to Al Nassr and Al Hilal, with Saudi’s value for the former Real Madrid star at around £25million, so it is likely to be a big loss for United.
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Erik ten Hag’s side signed the Brazilian in a £70million deal in 2022, with the five-time Champions League winner signing a four-year contract.
The 32-year-old won the Carabao Cup in his debut season at Old Trafford but has been criticized for poor performances in recent weeks.
Casemiro’s defense was branded “atrocious” for Crystal Palace’s first goal in a 4-0 win over United last week, with the midfielder helping to give Arsenal the winner on Sunday.
Former United football director John Murtough visited Saudi Arabia earlier this year and made it clear that fees would not be excessive for players over 30 on high salaries.
It is believed that if the player wants to leave and is offered good money, the selling club will be put in a weaker position, particularly if they want to remove the name from their payroll.
It is now assumed that Jean-Claude Blanc, who sits on United’s board, and not technical director Jason Wilcox, will be the point of contact until the window opens.
Blanc previously worked as marketing director for Paris Saint-Germain, part of Qatar Sports Investments.
But they have done business for Neymar, so this is unlikely to be an obstacle or major issue for negotiations.