Cristiano Ronaldo Is Personally Pushing for Bruno Fernandes to Join Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo is done waiting around for transfers to happen without his say-so. According to reports out of the Middle East, the 41-year-old has taken a more hands-on role in Al-Nassr’s recruitment, and his top target is Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

This isn’t just a rumor floating around. Multiple outlets confirm that Ronaldo is leading what’s being described as an ‘intense effort’ to bring his Portugal teammate to Saudi Arabia. A formal proposal has reportedly been sent to Fernandes, with Al-Nassr trying to figure out what kind of money it would take to get him out of Old Trafford.

United’s Stance Hasn’t Moved

Here’s the thing though. Manchester United have zero interest in selling Fernandes. And when I say zero, I mean it. Sources close to the club say the midfielder is not for sale at any price. They view him as a long-term leader and a foundational piece of their squad, especially after the season he just had.

Fernandes broke the Premier League single-season assist record in 2025/26 with 21. At 31 years old, he put up numbers that looked like prime De Bruyne stuff. He was directly involved in 30 goals in the league alone. So United’s position makes sense.

The Player Seems Happy Where He Is

Last summer, Fernandes gave United the option to sell him. They said no. He stayed. And he played the best football of his career. Now the word is that he wants to open talks on a new contract. His current deal runs through next summer, with a club option for another year. By the end of that, he’d be 33.

But here’s a name to keep in mind: Michael Carrick. United’s manager has made it clear he loves working with Fernandes and expects him to be central to the team’s push for a Premier League title. That’s not the kind of language you use about a guy you plan to ship out.

Reality Check on the Ronaldo Factor

Ronaldo is 41 now. By the time United might even consider letting Fernandes go, there’s a real chance Ronaldo is done playing. So this feels more like Ronaldo flexing his influence than a deal that actually happens. Al-Nassr has money. That’s never been the issue. The issue is that Manchester United have no reason to sell, and Fernandes doesn’t seem to want to leave.

For now, both sides are in lockstep: Bruno Fernandes is staying at Old Trafford. Ronaldo will have to find another target.