Fernandez and Sancho stay at Manchester United
Manchester United’s summer overhaul may not be as serious as the original idea that Bruno Fernandez and Jadon Sancho both aimed at staying at Old Trafford.
Fernandez reportedly refused a big buck move to Saudi Arabia, but Chelsea chose not to exercise their permanent right to sign Winger Sancho.
Sancho spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge, but he didn’t do enough to convince Enzo Maresca that he was willing to pay a £5 million penalty clause to send him back to United that it was worth protecting the Conference League winner.
Breading Speed: Jadon Sancho leaves Chelsea due to no agreement on personal terms.
Chelsea pays a £5 million penalty clause and Jadon returns to Manchester United. @theathleticfc Report.
The story between Sancho and #CFCready for a new move in the summer window. pic.twitter.com/hlibghl8az
-Fabrizio Romano (@fabrizioromano) June 3, 2025
The 25-year-old is considered to be one of United’s highest earners, and the club is keen to offload him as quickly as possible.
Fernandez rejects Al Hilal
Keeping Fernandez is undoubtedly better news for United fans, even if it may have a knock-on effect.
The Portuguese midfielder is United’s captain and uncontroversial best player after an incredible season that contributed eight goals and eight assists in 36 league matches.
Fernandez has been targeted by Saudi Arabia’s Al Gillar, and his agent Miguel Pinho held discussions with the club last week in Riyadh about a deal reported to be worth up to £200 million over three years.
Al Giral was also thought to have prepared a £100 million bid for United if he got the green light from the Fernandez camp.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted this morning on social media that Fernandez had rejected Saudi Arabia’s offer as he wanted to play at the “top level” of Europe.
exclusive: Bruno Fernandez rejected Al Giral’s proposal. ❌🇸🇦
Despite the crazy contract proposal from the Saudi Arabian professional league club, Bruno Fernandez wants to continue playing football in Europe.
The Man United captain wants to play at the top level in Europe. A decision has been made. pic.twitter.com/7likwohets
-Fabrizio Romano (@fabrizioromano) June 3, 2025
United’s failure to win the Europa League means they will not play in European competitions next season. In other words, Fernandez left Ajar to move.
Could it affect your transfer plan?
However, if he and Sancho start the season at Old Trafford, that means two high-income players will stay, and could deny boss Reuben Amorim Uigle’s room to make the multiple moves necessary to rebuild the team that stepped into the 15th place finish last season.
They have already agreed to a contract to sign the wolves. Brentford’s Brian Mbemo is believed to want to discuss his move towards United.
Whether the latter transaction will occur is controversial given United’s volatile financial position.
European soccer doesn’t have a black hole of £100 million. This means that the club may have issues with profit and sustainability rules.
Reports claim that all United players are selling at a reasonable price, but Christian Eriksen, Johnny Evans and Victor Lindroff will leave when their contracts expire at the end of June.