Bruno Fernandes targeted by Saudi Arabia as clubs eye marquee signing amid potential Cristiano Ronaldo departure

Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a potential future marquee signing for Saudi Arabian clubs, talkSPORT understands.

The Saudi Pro League has seen a huge influx of talent arrive since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr at the beginning of 2023.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 56 goals in 60 appearances and been a huge coup for Saudi by attracting a lot of overseas interest in the league.

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

Manchester United star Fernandes is a target and Al Nassr are a club to watch, but it’s unlikely a deal will happen this summer so a new approach in 2025 may happen.

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

Renewal for the international TV rights takes place in 2025, and league executives are said to be keen to maintain the Portugal audience during a cycle when the 39-year-old will leave.

It’s not a given that’s in 2025 since Ronaldo could extend by a further year, but he won’t be present for the next full rights cycle.

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

Casemiro is heavily linked with Al Nassr and Al Hilal, with Saudi’s value for the former Real Madrid star at about £25million, so it’s likely to be a big loss for United.

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Erik ten Hag’s side 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 debut season at Old Trafford but has been criticised in recent weeks amid poor performances.

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

United’s former director of football, John Murtough, visited Saudi Arabia earlier in the year, and it was made clear that fees for players over 30 on big wages would not be inflated.

There is a belief that if the player wants to leave and is offered good money then the selling club becomes in a weaker position, especially if they want to get the name off their wage bill.

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

Blanc formerly worked as a marketing executive for Paris Saint-Germain, who are owned by Qatar Sports Investments.

But they did business for Neymar, so this may not be a roadblock or big issue for negotiations.