Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal are growing increasingly optimistic about completing a high-profile move for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, with negotiations now at an advanced stage.

The 30-year-old midfielder has emerged as Al-Hilal’s top summer target, and the club is eager to finalize the deal ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in two weeks.

Talks have progressed rapidly in recent days, with Fernandes’s agent, Miguel Pinho, meeting with club representatives at the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh. These discussions have allowed Al-Hilal to believe that securing the Portuguese star is now a realistic and possibility.

The Saudi team side aims to bolster their squad with up to three major signings this summer, which is reportedly ready to offer between £80 million and £100 million for Fernandes.

United recently embarked on a post-season tour to raise approximately £7.8 million, which follows another loss-making season. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted the club would have faced a financial crisis by Christmas without implementing cost-cutting measures.

Fernandes, who joined United in 2020, is said to be seriously considering a move after six seasons at Old Trafford. Despite the team’s overall struggles, he remained their standout performer throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Earlier this month, *Telegraph Sport* reported that Al-Hilal were prepared to offer Fernandes a staggering £1 million per week if he agreed to the move.

When asked about his future at the end of the season, Fernandes remained non-committal. United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed his desire to keep the club captain but acknowledged that a big-money sale could help fund a squad overhaul.

“You can see by his performances, by his leadership, and his passion for the game,” Amorim said. “In difficult moments, Bruno is the one who steps up and takes responsibility—as he should, being the captain.”

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