- Contract talks have been paused
- New signings take priority
- Bruno Fernandes is staying for the foreseeable future
Man Utd have reportedly paused contract talks with Bruno Fernandes and plan to resume them by the end of 2026.
Fernandes guided Manchester United back to Champions League football during the 2025-26 season as the team finished third in the Premier League above rivals Liverpool.
A record-breaking season saw the Portuguese break the Premier League assist record in the final game of the season against Brighton, as the captain recorded 21 assists throughout a 38-game season, surpassing Thierry Henry (02/03) and Kevin de Bruyne (2019/20).
His remarkable campaign included being awarded the Premier League Player of the Season, FWA Footballer of the Year, Premier League Playmaker Award and United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year.
Contract talks on pause
Fernandes is entering his final year at Manchester United on a £250,000-a-week deal. With Man Utd holding the ultimate leverage, as the contract allows the club to automatically trigger a 12-month extension.
Rival European clubs and Saudi Pro League giants have consistently monitored the Portuguese due to a £55 million release clause in his contract. Club officials seemed relaxed, given the midfielders’ age and high wage demands, that no club would trigger the release clause.
While a sudden halt in contract negotiations involving Fernandes can cause widespread concern, the mood behind the scenes at United remains relaxed. According to The Mirror, the club captain has held private discussions with senior club officials, reassuring them that he has no intention of leaving Old Trafford this summer.
Prioritising the summer window
With yet another rebuild on the cards at Man Utd, INEOS can now focus its financial resources and attention on a critical summer transfer window by holding off on contract discussions with Fernandes.
Man Utd are already moving quickly before the window has opened with the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson ever so close to being confirmed.
Other targets are being closely followed with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Hayden Hackney as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his midfield.
While fans may be disappointed not to have seen Fernandes sign a new deal already, there is a large portion of fans who believe that if INEOS get this summer transfer window right. There is a real challenge for the club to fight for the Premier League title for the first time since Alex Ferguson retired.
