BRUNO FERNANDES could be heading for a surprise move to Saudi this summer, according to bookmakers Betfair.
Any Saudi Pro League club have been installed as favourites to sign the Manchester United captain, with odds now at 17/2 amid increasing speculation over his future at Old Trafford.
Fernandes, 30, following United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao – a result that confirmed the club’s absence from European competition next season.
The Portuguese midfielder reaffirmed his commitment to United but admitted that the decision may not ultimately lie in his hands.
“I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go,”;; Fernandes said. “I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to great days.
“If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cash in or whatever, it’s what it is, and football sometimes is like this.”;;
United’s failure to qualify for Europe is expected to cost them around £100million in revenue, fuelling rumours that key players could be sold.
Fernandes, who was recently named United’s Player of the Year for a fourth time, has long-standing admirers in Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest that Saudi champions Al-Hilal are among the clubs showing genuine interest.
While Saudi sides lead the betting, Real Madrid (12/1) and Barcelona (16/1) are also seen as potential destinations for the playmaker.
Betfair Spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom said: “Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes has said he will leave the club this summer if they want to cash in on him.
“That looks like a necessity after their abject performance in the Europa League final, although exactly how much they’ll manage to get for the 30-year-old midfielder, who has led Manchester United to two domestic trophies in his five years there, is yet to be known.
“Big money spenders from the Saudi Pro League look to be the most likely to snap him up, with any Saudi Pro League club the favourites at 17/2 to sign the Portuguese midfielder.
“A move elsewhere in Europe looks unlikely, with Real Madrid 12/1, Barcelona 16/1 and Champions League finalists PSG 66/1.”;;
