Manchester United have continued efforts to keep their captain Bruno Fernandes despite renewed interest from Galatasaray, according to Fabrizio Romano. The reporter says United offered a new contract in May, with discussions involving Fernandes’ camp still active. Romano reported on May 25 that United had begun talks to retain the midfielder despite interest from outside.
That stance has hardened through the summer. Galatasaray have kept contact alive, with reports from June and July pointing to a serious attempt to bring the 31-year-old to Istanbul. United now insist they don’t want to sell, while Fernandes enters a decisive stage of his contract situation.
Bruno Fernandes transfer news and United’s stance
The numbers explain why. Fernandes produced nine goals and 21 assists in 35 Premier League appearances during 2025/26, setting the outright league record for assists in one season. The Premier League confirmed his 21st assist against Brighton, moving him beyond Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
That record changes the argument around his future. United aren’t protecting an ageing squad player; they are retaining their captain after his best creative season in England.
Bruno Fernandes transfer news points to a United stay
My view is straightforward: Fernandes should stay, and he probably will. Last summer’s Al-Hilal situation reportedly left him hurt after United allowed him to consider a £100 million proposal. This time, INEOS have taken a different line, which makes sense after Carrick restored United to the Champions League.
Casemiro’s departure should give United more room on the wage bill, while Fernandes’ importance extends beyond statistics. He remains the captain, the main creator and a senior Portugal figure after five World Cup appearances and one assist in 2026.
Galatasaray can offer eye-catching money, with reports putting the proposed package near €20 million a year. Yet Fernandes still has unfinished business in England, and United hold far greater leverage after his overseas release clause expired last month.
The likely outcome for his contract
I expect United and Fernandes to agree a three-year extension through June 2029. That would reward his record season, remove the uncertainty and give Carrick a clear focal point. The Turkish interest may continue, but Bruno Fernandes transfer news now points much more strongly to a new Old Trafford contract.
