Manchester United have begun discussions with Bruno Fernandes’ representatives over a new contract for their captain, as the club moves to secure the future of one of its most influential players.
Preliminary talks have already taken place between the two sides, with United keen to reach an agreement before the end of the year.
Fernandes currently has 10 months remaining on his £220,000-a-week contract, although the club has an option to extend the deal by another 12 months.
Despite renewed speculation over his future during the summer, United remain determined to retain the 31-year-old and view him as a key part of their plans.
Fernandes once again demonstrated his importance to Michael Carrick’s side on Sunday, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in United’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich. The performance came shortly after he was named PFA Player of the Year.
The Portugal international has attracted interest from Galatasaray, who are reportedly prepared to offer him a four-year contract that would double his current wages, alongside a £3.5m signing-on fee.
Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan are also understood to be monitoring his situation, despite the £56.7m release clause in his contract having expired in July.
Fernandes’ future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent years. Last summer, he came close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal after his agent, Miguel Pinho, held talks with the club in Riyadh.
Al-Hilal reportedly offered Fernandes a three-year contract worth around £200m, while United were presented with a £100m transfer fee.
Fernandes ultimately turned down the move but later revealed that he was ‘hurt’ by United’s willingness to accept the Saudi club’s offer.
Since joining United from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, Fernandes has recorded 110 goals and 109 assists in 329 appearances for the club.
The midfielder has continued to insist that he wants to remain at Old Trafford and compete at the highest level. He set a Premier League record with 21 assists last season.
Speaking last week, Fernandes said:
‘For me, it’s about being the best I can to keep myself playing with the best – and playing with the best is playing in the Premier League and playing for Man United,’
He added:
‘The goals (target) and everything that are set to my season every year is always the same. I don’t change, and it doesn’t change by being here for a longer period or a smaller one.
‘I play at the strength the manager needs me to play, and then if I’m not capable or able to do it, I need to step aside. I think every player needs to understand their timings, their moments.’
