According to the Daily Mail, there is confusion about whether a potential £60m release clause in Fernandes' contract actually exists, with his current club insisting there is no official clause. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal are under the impression that there is an informal threshold "above which United would be willing to negotiate". Certainly, the money on the table is tempting, with the Saudi side reportedly ready to make a record-breaking offer for Fernandes.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Portuguese international has been United's star player for several seasons, and has consistently performed admirably in massively under-par teams. It's no surprise, then, that Al-Hilal are reputedly willing to pay Fernandes as much as £65m per year to acquire his services. However, reports suggest the United captain is keen to stay at the club, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and his relationship with manager Ruben Amorim becoming increasingly close.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fernandes' attacking output at Old Trafford has been remarkable; in March, he joined an exclusive Premier League club as he became only the third player in PL history to register 25 goal contributions in three successive seasons across all competitions (only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have also achieved this).
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Saudi interest will be the last thing on Fernandes' mind as he prepares for arguably the biggest game in United's season, a Europa League second-leg tie with Athletic Club on Thursday. The Red Devils took a massive 3-0 lead away from the Basque Country and are heavy favourites to make it to the final.