'He obviously hasn't seen it' - Bruno Fernandes sent brutal Saudi Pro League message by England star after snubbing £700,000-a-week Al-Hilal transfer offer

Al-Hilal were reportedly prepared to pay Portuguese playmaker Fernandes £700,000-a-week if he completed a move to the Middle East, with a £100 million ($135m) fee going to United if they agreed to part with their talismanic skipper.

Fernandes has, however, stated he wants to continue playing in Europe. He said when explaining his decision to turn down a stunning contract proposal: "I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it."

Toney made his own move from the Premier League to Saudi Arabia when leaving Brentford for Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024 and has told talkSPORT of Fernandes passing up the chance to join him in a division that can be unfairly written off: "That's his decision. He maybe thinks it's different to me.

"He obviously hasn't seen the league. The standard is high. I always say this, people always judge it on not seeing it, you know? And you have to see it first hand to have your own opinion. If people went there and went to some games, they'd soon realise. I know it's a good standard. You would never knock it once you've been there. It is tough."

As he prepares to remain at Old Trafford, Fernandes may soon be joined by Toney’s former Brentford team-mate Bryan Mbeumo. The England striker said of another big-money deal that United are reportedly lining up: "He scores goals, he knows where to put the ball for other players. He's got a similar penalty technique [to me]. He is a top, top player and he deserves to play for top, top clubs."

Transfer talk around the world will continue to rage through another window, but Toney is happy in his current surroundings and has been included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for a World Cup qualifying clash with Andorra and friendly date with Senegal.