Bruno Fernandes is unlikely to leave Manchester United mid-season, talkSPORT understands.The Manchester United captain remains on the radar of Saudi clubs, but the 31-year-old was clear to suitors last summer he wished to remain at Old Trafford for the entire 2025/26 season. talkSPORT understands Fernandes’ position hasn’t changed and leaving Manchester United six months before what could prove his final World Cup with Portugal is not in his current plans.How close did Fernandes come to joining a Saudi club in the summer?Fernandes received a formal offer from Al-Hilal before the Club World Cup. He was also approached by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad towards the end of the window.The Portugal international was tempted by a move to the Saudi Pro League, and had the chance to more than double his £300k-per-week salary, but in the end decided the timing wasn’t right.Al-Hilal sources deny they ever placed a formal £100m bid, although it is acknowledged by sources that is a ballpark they were willing to offer had Fernandes given a green light.Fernandes is contracted until 2027 meaning Manchester United could still command a significant fee next year. Saudi clubs are aware Manchester United want in excess of £60m next summer, even with just one year left on his contract.Since joining from Sporting in 2019, Fernandes has made 298 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 100 goals. He has been asked to play in a deeper role following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. This is not his preferred position, but there is believed to be no issue or breakdown in the relationship between Fernandes and Ruben Amorim.Saudi officials are still in touch with the Fernandes camp and view the Portuguese midfielder as a leading target for 2026.Across his near-300 game career with the Red Devils, Fernandes has won the FA Cup and Carabao CupGettyDo Saudi clubs still harbour hope of signing Fernandes next year?The feeling within Saudi is it will be more feasible to land Fernandes in summer. No bid is being prepared in January and this won’t change unless Fernandes communicates his own position has altered.Al-Hilal are unlikely to be the club to return with an offer next year. Instead, Al-Ittihad are one of the main suitors from within Saudi. The defending Saudi Pro League champions are in the market for a marquee midfielder, with the expectation both N’Golo Kante and Fabinho could leave in 2026.Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr would also be keen on speaking with Fernandes further. It’s understood Ronaldo directly contacted Fernandes over the summer in an informal call.GettyFernandes and Ronaldo have shared the pitch 116 times as teammates for Portugal and Manchester United[/caption]Although nothing advanced and no bid was made, that could change in 2026. As part of his new two-year Al-Nassr deal, Ronaldo has an official role in Al-Nassr’s recruitment and is expected to play an active role in both the January and summer windows next year.