Manchester United will reject bids for Bruno Fernandes before deadline

Manchester United will reject any bid for Bruno Fernandes before next month’s transfer deadline and regard the captain as unavailable for sale. No offer has arrived for the 31-year-old, but the club’s position is that it would not accept one at any price.

Galatasaray are understood to have been preparing a proposal that could have taken the final fee to €50 million (£42.7m). Juventus and AC Milan have also been assessing whether to make approaches for the Portugal international. United’s stance means Galatasaray would have little prospect of completing a deal.

Fernandes has one year remaining on his contract, with a further season available through an option. He would prefer to remain at Old Trafford. A £57m release clause in his agreement has expired, leaving United without that specific valuation mechanism but with a clear decision to retain him.

The club’s position is firmer than it was last summer, when Fernandes was allowed to decide whether to accept a major offer from Saudi Pro-League side Al-Hilal. The midfielder later said he was hurt by United’s approach at the time. The latest message from the club is that his future is not open for negotiation.

Fernandes’ importance was reinforced by his Premier League output last season, when he set a competition record with 21 assists. He is also the leading candidate for the 2025-26 PFA Player of the Year award, which is due to be decided in Manchester next week.

Support for Fernandes was evident during United’s pre-season match against Leeds in Dublin last week. The reception underlined the importance of the captain to supporters and the potential backlash if the club appeared unwilling to keep him. For now, United have made clear that retaining Fernandes is their priority before the transfer window closes.