Al-Hilal are reportedly struggling to convince Bruno Fernandes to leave Manchester United for the riches of the Saudi Pro League.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Al-Hilal desperate to sign FernandesPlayer's family not sold on Saudi moveEven bigger contract offer could materialise Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri on , the Fernandes family is "not convinced" that moving to Saudi Arabia is the right step. That hesitation and "lack of commitment" to the transfer is said to be slowing things down, with Al-Hilal unsurprisingly keen to have the Portugal international on board in time for the FIFA Club World Cup. To persuade him, the Riyadh-based side are tipped to "offer everything" in an "astronomical" lure.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Al-Hilal are reportedly willing to offer Manchester United as much as £100 million ($135m) for Fernandes, but want a decision from the player quickly. He could pocket approximately £200m ($269m) in Saudi Arabia over the course of a three-year contract, levels above even the very good money by Premier League standards that he earns now, which would comfortably secure his family's wealth for generations to come. But there appears to be more than just money in the decision, which may offer hope to Manchester United fans.
DID YOU KNOW?
Determined to upset the established world football order by winning the Club World Cup ahead of the European favourites, Al-Hilal are not only targeting Fernandes in this mini-transfer window. Tavolieri additionally claims that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez are now close to joining, as is Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi, fresh from the UEFA Champions League final. There has even been speculation in recent days about what would be a sensational deal for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AL-HILAL?
There are just over two weeks to go until Al-Hilal begin their Club World Cup campaign on June 18 against Real madrid in Miami. That will be their toughest game of the group stage and an opportunity to make an early statement before facing Red Bull Salzburg and Pachuca. But how their squad will look will only become fully clear when the special transfer window closes on June 10.