According to the Sun on 24/8, the meeting was positive. Fernandes is reportedly seeking a weekly salary of around 1 million USD in Saudi Arabia, where there is no personal income tax. The soon-to-be 31-year-old Man Utd captain currently earns 400,000 USD per week but is subject to a 45% income tax rate.

Bruno Fernandes (center) on the ball during Man Utd's 0-1 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League opener on 17/8. Photo: PA

Bruno Fernandes (center) on the ball during Man Utd's 0-1 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League opener on 17/8. Photo: PA

In June, another Saudi Arabian club, Al Hilal, failed in their attempt to acquire Fernandes. At the time, the Portuguese midfielder publicly stated his willingness to leave if Man Utd needed to sell, but manager Ruben Amorim retained him.

Al Ittihad are the reigning Saudi Pro League champions. Last season, they finished first with 83 points, eight points ahead of Al Hilal and 13 points clear of Al Nassr.

If he joins Al Ittihad, Fernandes would become teammates with Karim Benzema, Fabinho, N'Golo Kante, and his Portuguese national team colleague, Danilo Pereira. Last season, Benzema scored 21 goals in the Saudi Pro League, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, 25 goals) and Ivan Toney (Al Ahli, 23 goals).

Al Ittihad recently began their 2025-2026 season with a 1-2 loss to Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final. Al Nassr subsequently lost the final to Al Ahli 3-5 on penalties.

This summer, Man Utd spent over 260 million USD to acquire Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. The Red Devils are now looking to offload players to alleviate financial pressure. Players reportedly on the market include Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia.

Man Utd opened their 2025-2026 season with a 0-1 loss to Arsenal. Tonight, they will seek their first points of the season away to Fulham.

Thanh Quy (according to the Sun)