Bruno Fernandes price tag revealed as Man Utd consider funding January overhaul

December 15, 2025 Oliver Obel

Fresh reporting from Caught Offside indicates that Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are preparing new bids for Fernandes, and that United have privately set an approximate valuation of £70 million. That figure is broadly in line with the overall financial package the club committed when signing him from Sporting CP in 2020.

This contrasts with a BBC Sport report from October, which noted that Fernandes “has no interest in moving to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season.” The opposing signals have revived a debate that never fully disappeared after Fernandes attracted heavy attention from Saudi clubs last summer.

Why a sale is even being discussed

For United, the matter goes beyond the player himself. A sizeable fee for Fernandes would create room to reshape a midfield that has struggled for balance this season. Financial Fair Play considerations also mean major incoming transfers may require outgoings first.

According to The Telegraph, United are monitoring Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, though both players would command substantial fees and are unlikely to move mid-season. Forest reportedly value Anderson at a minimum of £100 million, and Brighton are said to expect a similarly significant offer for Baleba.

United’s wider midfield shortlist includes Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, who, as ESPN notes, is viewed as the most realistic target for January. ESPN also reported that United would listen to approaches for several squad players, though such decisions may depend on the market and the club’s broader recruitment strategy.

Fernandes maintains his stance

Despite the noise around him, Fernandes has remained consistent publicly. Speaking to BBC Sport earlier in the campaign, he said he felt “good” at United and still aimed to pursue his “dreams” at the club.

Addressing rumours of a pre-arranged departure, he added:

“I’ve seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn’t made with me. I haven’t spoken with anyone.”

He also made clear that he avoids transfer conversations while on international duty:

“My agent knows how I work. If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Until then, I won’t speak to anyone.”

What comes next

Whether United would sanction a January sale remains uncertain. Moving on from their captain mid-season would be a significant gamble, yet the potential funds could accelerate a midfield overhaul the club has been considering for months.

For now, the situation largely depends on whether Saudi clubs return with concrete offers—and whether United believe the timing is finally right to listen.

Sources: BBC Sport, The Telegraph, ESPN, Caught Offside