Bruno Fernandes has outlined clear ambitions for life after Manchester United, naming top clubs in Italy and Spain as preferred destinations once the Old
Trafford spell ends, while also keeping open a possible return to Sporting and Portugal later in the career.
The Manchester United captain, whose deal runs until 2027, spoke at length in a recent Canal 11 interview. Fernandes revealed that United were prepared to sanction a departure before the 2025-26 season, following interest from Al-Hilal and reports of a 100m offer from the Saudi Pro League side.
In the second part of that Canal 11 discussion, Fernandes made clear that the preference remains to stay at Manchester United while the club still values the contribution, but also set out a strong desire to experience LaLiga and to rejoin a leading Serie A side challenging for the league title.
Fernandes said: "I've always said that I want to remain in thisplace for as long as I'm wanted, Fernandes said. The moment I feel that I'm not 100% wanted, then I will talk to the club and say that I want to leave. I would like to try the Spanish league because I've never played in Spain. I would like to play for one of the clubs in Italy that competes for big aims like the league title, especially because I really enjoyed living in Italy. "
Before the move to Sporting CP and then Manchester United, Fernandes built the reputation in Italy. The midfielder first joined Novara, then played for Udinese and Sampdoria between 2013 and 2017, making 118 Serie A appearances, with 15 goals and 13 assists across those spells in the Italian top flight.
Since signing for Manchester United in January 2020, Fernandes has become one of the Premier League’s most active players. No footballer has featured in more league games in that period than Fernandes with 211 matches, and no player has created more chances, with 588 opportunities fashioned for team-mates.
Goal involvement numbers underline that impact further. During the same timeframe, only Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, with 189 goal contributions, has produced more in the Premier League than Fernandes, who has registered 125 goals plus assists in domestic league action for Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes emotional ties with Italy and Portugal
Despite extensive success elsewhere, Italy remains the only country where Fernandes has played senior club football without lifting a major trophy. That detail drives part of the motivation to return, with the midfielder keen to compete for silverware in Serie A if the right project and ambitions match the expectations.
Reflecting on that connection, Fernandes said: "I have many links to the country [Italy], the United captain said. My daughter was born there and she keeps saying that she wants to learn Italian. If I could provide that and play for a club in Italy that has big aims and fight for a chance to win titles, it's an idea that I like. "
Fernandes has also spoken about a possible homecoming to Portugal later in the career, after leaving Sporting for Manchester United in a reported 68m move nearly six years ago. Any return, though, would need to protect the status and memories from the first spell in Lisbon with Sporting.
On that subject, Fernandes said: "I've thought about returning to Portugal, Fernandes added. Going back to where you were once happy can tarnish the image you have left. Out of affection and respect, my first choice would be Sporting. But I don't want to spoil the beautiful image I have. Even for family reasons, I would like to return to Portugal. But I don't want to go there only for what I did, but because I can add something. "
The following table summarises key elements of Fernandes’ club record in Italy and England, underlining why interest from Serie A, LaLiga and other leagues is likely to remain strong as the Manchester United chapter eventually moves towards its final stages.
| Club / League | Period | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novara, Udinese, Sampdoria (Serie A) | 2013-2017 | 118 | 15 | 13 |
| Manchester United (Premier League) | Jan 2020–present | 211 | 125 goal contributions |
Across the Canal 11 interview, Fernandes balanced loyalty to Manchester United with clear long-term aims, pointing towards LaLiga, a title-chasing Serie A club and a respectful return to Sporting or Portugal as the most likely steps once the Old Trafford spell eventually reaches a natural end.
