Bruno Fernandes targeted by Saudi Arabia as clubs consider signing amid Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential departure

Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a potential future signing for Saudi clubs, according to talkSPORT.

The Saudi Pro League has seen a huge influx of talent since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr in early 2023.

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Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 56 goals in 60 matches and was a huge coup for Saudi Arabia by generating a lot of interest abroad in the league.

It is understood there is a big priority with the 39-year-old entering his final year to bring in another big-name Portuguese signing.

Manchester United star Fernandes is a target and Al Nassr is a club to watch, but a deal is unlikely to be agreed this summer so a new approach could happen in 2025.

Unsurprisingly, Portugal has proven to be one of the biggest TV markets for the Saudi Pro League since Ronaldo completed his move.

The renewal of international television rights takes place in 2025, and league bosses are said to be keen to maintain the Portuguese audience during a cycle where the 39-year-old leaves.

This is not a given in 2025 since Ronaldo could extend for another year, but he will not be present for the next full cycle of rights.

There is much more confidence over potential deals for Fernandes’ midfield teammate Casemiro, as well as centre-back Raphael Varane.

Casemiro is heavily linked with Al Nassr and Al Hilal, with the Saudi value for the former Real Madrid star being around £25m, so this will likely be a big loss for United.

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Erik ten Hag’s side have signed the Brazilian in 2022 in a £70million deal, with the five-time Champions League winner signing a four-year contract.

The 32-year-old won the Carabao Cup in his first season at Old Trafford but has been criticized in recent weeks due to poor performances.

Casemiro’s defending was branded ‘atrocious’ for Crystal Palace’s opening goal in their 4-0 win over United last week, with the midfielder then helping to give Arsenal their winner on Sunday.

Former United director of football John Murtough visited Saudi Arabia earlier this year, and he was made clear that fees for players over 30 on big salaries would not be inflated .

There is a belief that if the player wants to leave and is offered a lot of money, the selling club finds itself in a weaker position, especially if they want to remove their name from their wage bill.

It is now believed that Jean-Claude Blanc, who sits on United’s board, will be the point of contact between now and the window opens rather than technical director Jason Wilcox.

Blanc previously worked as a marketing manager for Paris Saint-Germain, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments.

But they have done business for Neymar, so this may not be an obstacle or a big problem for the negotiations.