Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could be on his way out of Old Trafford at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that a secret release clause in his contract could allow him to leave for just £57 million ($75.9m/€65.6m).
The Portuguese midfielder, who has been central to United’s play since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, has repeatedly been linked with a move away — most recently to clubs in the Saudi Pro League. While those approaches were rejected last summer, Fernandes’ future at the club now appears uncertain as United continue to struggle for form in the Premier League.
According to The Sun, the clause — which activates next summer — would permit clubs outside England to sign Fernandes for a cut-price fee, significantly lower than the offers Manchester United received from Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Despite a mixed start to the current campaign, Fernandes remains one of United’s most influential figures. However, if he does decide to depart, it would leave new manager Ruben Amorim with a major challenge to replace the creativity, leadership, and experience the captain brings.
Last summer, Fernandes turned down a lucrative move to the Middle East, insisting that his loyalty to Manchester United guided his decision. “I wanted to stay at Manchester United, and the club wanted me to stay. That’s all there is to it,” he said, clarifying that his choice was not influenced by hopes of maintaining a spot in Portugal’s World Cup squad.
Even so, the midfielder hinted earlier this month that his time in England may soon come to an end. Speaking ahead of Portugal’s recent 3-0 win over Ireland, Fernandes said: “I like to enjoy the moment, and the most important thing for me now is representing the national team. I still don’t know if I’ll play, let alone if I’ll leave Manchester United in a year.”
Under Amorim, United have shown signs of recovery, registering back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season. A 2-0 victory over Sunderland and a 2-1 triumph away at Anfield have lifted them to ninth in the table with 13 points — just three behind second-placed Manchester City.
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However, Fernandes’ personal form has dipped slightly. Tasked with a deeper midfield role to accommodate United’s new attacking recruits, the captain’s goal contributions have dropped compared to previous seasons.
United now face a tough test against Brighton, a side that has proved to be a major obstacle in recent years. The Red Devils have lost six of their last seven league meetings against the Seagulls, who trail them by just one point and will be eyeing a move into the European qualification spots.
