Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to see Bruno Fernandes leave Manchester United and join him in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr at the end of the season, according to reports.
The Portuguese superstar became the star name of the Saudi football revolution when his contract at Old Trafford was terminated in 2022 after his bombshell interview criticising the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
However, Ronaldo has sustained relationships with key players at United and shares an international dressing room with Red Devils captain Fernandes and full-back Diogo Dalot.
Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford is the subject of speculation, despite his existing contract running until 2026, after the midfielder hinted at ‘thinking about’ leaving the club in the summer following a difficult season.
Now, it has been revealed Ronaldo is desperate to see Fernandes join him in the Middle East after Al-Nassr made the United star their top transfer target, as reported by The Mirror.
Cristiano Ronaldo is keen for Bruno Fernandes (pictured) to leave Man United and move to Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo (left) and Fernandes (right) previously played together at United and are team-mates in the Portuguese national team
Speculation has grown over Fernandes’ future at United after a difficult season for the club
The Saudi Pro League side could give United’s transfer kitty a huge boost – much to the relief of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the club attempts to balance FFP regulations – and would be willing to pay up to £90m for Fernandes.
Ronaldo is a huge admirer of his compatriot’s ability after being impressed by him while playing at United as well as the Portuguese national team and has told Al-Nassr chiefs to make a move for Fernandes.
Fernandes is believed to have recently sat down with new investor Ratcliffe and the British billionaire’s INEOS team to discuss their vision for the club’s immediate future.
The former Sporting Lisbon star was made United captain at the start of the season after Ten Hag stripped Harry Maguire of the armband.
However, despite being linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, it is unlikely that Fernandes would decide to quit European football during the prime years of his career.
Ronaldo wants Fernandes to join him at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr this summer
Fernandes has two years remaining on his Man United contract and was made captain last year
The Middle Eastern league has made a habit of signing Premier League talent with the likes of Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte all joining in recent times, and Fernandes signature would be a huge coup.
In November, Fernandes insisted he was happy at the 13-time Premier League champions, telling Portuguese media: ‘I’m focusing on the national team and United. I’m happy where I am.
‘In the national team, we had some very good times, at Manchester United we didn’t start the way we wanted. I don’t look at rumours. I don’t pay attention to them.
‘Today, it’s very easy to spread rumours in the press. I prefer to concentrate on my goals,’ he added.
