Bruno Fernandes confirmed asking Ronaldo about going to Al Nassr
The Man Utd captain admitted that he had spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo about the Saudi Pro League this summer but insisted that he would only consider his future after the 2026 World Cup, despite receiving three offers from Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.
Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he had direct contact and discussions with Cristiano Ronaldo about the possibility of joining Al Nassr during the summer transfer window, but stressed any decision on his future will only be considered after the 2026 World Cup. The 31-year-old midfielder said the conversation with his wife, Ana, was key to him staying at Manchester United.
Deal developments and milestones
Fernandes has been linked with a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League over the years, but has turned them down. Last year, he extended his contract with Manchester United, putting the rumours to rest for 12 months. This summer, three top Saudi clubs were in the running: Al-Hilal made an approach ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup; Al-Nassr joined at Ronaldo’s urging; and Al-Ittihad made a late bid in the hope of convincing the Portuguese midfielder.
What Bruno said to Ronaldo and his decision to stay
Sharing on October 24 with Daily Mail, Fernandes recounted the conversation with Ronaldo: “The first thing he asked me was: 'Are you too expensive for that club?' I replied: 'No one is too expensive for that club!' I spoke to Cristiano about the situation, about Saudi and everything.”
He added: “Cristiano gave me his opinion on what I should do, and that was important to me, because I wanted to hear his opinion,” but did not reveal the specific advice. According to Fernandes, the decision to stay at Old Trafford was heavily influenced by family discussions: he spoke to his wife Ana before making his choice.
Ronaldo's impact and the Saudi Pro League landscape
According to the interview source, it is possible that Ronaldo – now 40, an ambassador for Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Pro League – tried to convince Fernandes. Ronaldo’s influence in Al-Nassr’s transfer business is considered significant, and the fact that top Saudi clubs have repeatedly approached Fernandes reflects their ambition to improve the quality of their midfield.
Commitment to time and message to the market
Fernandes insists he will not leave Man Utd before the 2026 World Cup: “My agent knows how I work. If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because before that, I will not talk to anyone.” This statement sets a clear milestone for any interested clubs: any negotiations, if any, can only start after the 2026 football festival.
Key statistics and timelines
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes' age | 31 |
| Sharing Day | 24/10 |
| Saudi team interested last summer | 3 (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad) |
| Contract status with Man Utd | Last year's renewal |
| Future closing period | After the 2026 World Cup |
| The extension effect | Quelling the rumors in 12 months |
Meaning for Man Utd and the next prospect
With a commitment not to leave Old Trafford before 2026, Man Utd will keep their captain for the medium term, while the Saudi Pro League will likely have to wait longer if they want to own Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder himself admitted that he "doesn't know" about the future after 2026 - a signal that is open for further approaches, but not at this time.
