Al Nassr is in Portugal for the second stage of its preseason, but the work being done by the Saudi club goes well beyond training sessions. Behind closed doors, Jorge Jesus’s squad, already boasting Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, has set its sights on another major Portuguese star to complete an impressive trio — Bruno Fernandes.
The Manchester United captain and standout midfielder has caught the attention of the Riyadh-based side, and discussions have already started. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the club has reached out to the player’s representatives. The plan is to lean on the strong Portuguese influence within the squad and coaching staff to convince the No. 8 to trade Old Trafford for the Saudi capital.
What’s attracting Al Nassr
Bruno Fernandes is far from just another name on the transfer market. Over the last five seasons, he hasn’t had a single year with fewer than 10 goals and 10 assists for Manchester United. In the 2024/25 campaign, even as the English club endured one of its most turbulent stretches in recent history, the midfielder stood out, delivering 19 goals and 18 assists. His numbers show that, even in difficult circumstances, he continues to produce. For Al Nassr, signing a player with that level of consistency and international pedigree would be a significant boost both on the field and in terms of marketability.
The move is also part of a broader strategy. Saudi Arabia has been assembling increasingly star-studded squads, and adding Bruno Fernandes would strengthen the league’s image as more than just a destination for players in the final stage of their careers. For Al Nassr, bringing together the Portuguese national team captain with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix would give the club a distinct European identity, with benefits that extend well beyond matchday.
The challenge of Manchester United
Convincing the player might be one hurdle, but convincing Manchester United could prove even harder. Fernandes is the team’s captain, a key leader, and one of the few players who has avoided heavy criticism from the fanbase during a rough patch for the club. Losing him now would mean parting with a cornerstone of the squad, not only for what he delivers on the pitch but also for the leadership he brings. That’s why any deal would almost certainly require a significant transfer fee.
The Cristiano Ronaldo factor
Cristiano Ronaldo could be the deciding factor in Al Nassr’s pursuit. As a teammate on the Portuguese national team and one of the most influential figures in world soccer, Ronaldo has a strong relationship with Fernandes. The chance to reunite with CR7 on a daily basis could be a major pull for the midfielder. On top of that, Jorge Jesus’s long-standing history in Portuguese soccer means he knows how to manage players of this caliber and could play a crucial role in shaping the right conditions to make the move happen.
The recent arrival of João Félix also works in Al Nassr’s favor. For Fernandes, seeing other high-profile compatriots choose the Saudi Pro League may help break down any reservations. It sends the message that making the move doesn’t mean giving up competitiveness or global visibility. In fact, the Saudi project has shown both the ambition and the resources to claim a place on the international stage.